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<p>This Government takes the issue of food security very seriously. Tackling inflation
is one of this Government’s priorities. Inflation has more than halved, but it remains
a challenge which is why we continue to monitor all key agricultural commodities and
work with the food industry to address the challenges they face.</p><p> </p><p>Consumer
food prices depend on a range of factors including agri-food import prices, domestic
agricultural prices, domestic labour and manufacturing costs, and Sterling exchange
rates. Some of these factors are influenced by our trading arrangements with other
countries. Changes in food prices are dependent on changes in one or more of these
factors.</p><p> </p><p>Through regular engagement, Defra will continue to work with
food businesses throughout the supply chain to explore the range of measures they
can take to ensure the availability of affordable food. For example, by maintaining
value ranges, price matching and price freezing measures.</p><p> </p><p>The UK has
a highly resilient food supply chain, as demonstrated throughout the Covid-19 response.
It is well equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption.</p><p>
</p><p>Our high degree of food security is built on supply from diverse sources; strong
domestic production as well as imports through stable trade routes. We produce 60%
of all the food we need, and 73% of food which we can grow or rear in the UK for all
or part of the year, and these figures have changed little over the last 20 years.</p><p>
</p><p>UK consumers have access through international trade to food products that
cannot be produced here, or at least not on a year-round basis. This supplements domestic
production, and also ensures that any disruption from risks such as adverse weather
or disease does not affect the UK's overall security of supply.</p><p> </p><p>Defra
has well established ways of working with the industry and across Government to monitor
risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness
for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply
chains.</p>
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