Why is demand for food changing?
- Population rise in the UK
- UK imports 40% of it's food and this is increasing
- Food produced in the UK can be expensive because the poor harvests and price of animal feed.
- Demand for greater choice and exotic foods
- Demand for seasonal produce all year round e.g. strawberries
What is the impact of importing food?
Food Miles
The distance food travels from source to consumer.
The distance food travels from source to consumer.
Positives |
Negatives |
Cheaper imports make pricing more competitive between supermarkets which drives the price lower for consumers. There is a demand for a greater range of products – imports can supply those products that the UK can’t produce for environmental reasons. There is a demand for food to be on sale throughout the year e.g. strawberries. Growing food in different climates can allow this to happen. |
Food that has to travel a long distance is picked far too early so that it does not spoil on the journey. This means it does not always taste the way it should. Food with long food miles needs a lot of packaging. Importing food from other countries means British farmers have to reduce their prices to stay competitive; this has led to many British farms going bankrupt as the cost of living here is so high. |
How is the UK responding to the challenges?
AgribusinessIntensive farming aimed at maximising the amount of food produced which is good for improving food security. Farms are run as commercial businesses. They use modern technology and chemicals (pesticides and fertilisers) to produce food which are bad for the environment. |
Organic ProduceFood grown without the use of chemicals which is better for the environment and for soil quality. It has become increasingly popular although higher labour costs can make it more expensive. Organic food production is associated with buying local produce and only buying seasonal produce. |