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<p>We remain in close contact with suppliers, who are clear that current issues relating
to the availability of certain fruits and vegetables are predominately caused by poor
weather in Spain and North Africa where they are produced. These issues have been
caused by unseasonal weather hampering production and harvest during December and
January. Disruption is anticipated to last for 2-4 weeks</p><p><br> While short term
supplies might be tight, overall, the supply chain is robust, and we are keeping the
market under review through the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group.</p><p> </p><p>The
capability, levers, and expertise to respond to disruption lie with industry. Government's
role is to support and enable an industry-led response. UK Food Security remains resilient,
and we continue to expect industry to be able to mitigate supply problems through
alternative sourcing options.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has taken steps to support
energy costs, cut tariffs to reduce feed costs, improved avian influenza compensation
schemes and taken a range of measures on fertilisers.</p><p> </p><p>We work with industry
bodies across the horticulture sectors, to monitor and assess the current market situation.
We also work with colleagues in the Devolved Administrations at the UK Agricultural
Market Monitoring Group (UK AMMG).</p><p><br> Minister Spencer held an industry roundtable
with supermarkets on Monday 27 February to explore their plans for a return to normal
supplies and contingencies for dealing with these supply chain problems.</p><p> </p><p>Recognising
the importance of food security, in the Agriculture Act 2020, the Government made
a commitment to produce an assessment of our food security at least once every three
years. The first UK food security report was published in December 2021.</p>
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