National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Peter Kendall has called for British retailers to uphold their reputation for leadership by ensuring a stable and secure long-term future for food production.
Speaking at the IGD annual convention in London, Kendall said it was important retailers looked at the long-term nature of supply relationships so they could form a strong partnership with producers to tackle the challenges to food production posed by climate change and growing populations.
He said: “We are part of a massive, successful British food industry which delivers £80 billion of gross added value to the economy, represents 3.6 million jobs, and constitutes the biggest industry in our manufacturing sector.
“But the global challenges we face - climate change, water depletion and population growth - are enormous. We are moving into an era where security of supply is going to be a critical factor. British retailers have a reputation for being world leaders and I want you to show leadership now by developing a sustainable supply chain, based on long-term relationships, delivering what is, in the end, the key for consumers - stable and secure food supplies.”
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