Secure food supply - Food and farming group call on Defra to pilot a Food Hub Fund

The Prime Minister has hosted a summit to discuss the issues UK farmers face and what can be done to make the country more food secure. This group of organisations is calling on Defra to pilot a fund that would help new food enterprises work with farmers across England for a fairer and more resilient food supply.

Food hubs are small and medium-sized enterprises that buy from local farmers and sell to local retailers and hospitality businesses. They can take on supply chain roles, such as sorting, packing, and distribution. The difference with ‘traditional’ wholesale is that they are built on strong ethical and sustainable values.

By investing in new food hubs across England, the group say that Defra can support a new future for the UK’s agri-food system that delivers for the environment and on food security. 

This is achieved by ensuring farmers get fair returns and supply chains are diverse and resilient, better withstanding global and domestic shocks, while rewarding the types of nature friendly farming that will provide security over the longer-term.

The group are proposing a £5 million pilot fund that could go towards market research, building supplier relations, infrastructure, equipment, and kick-starting employment for new food hub businesses.

Committing to a pilot would show the UK Government’s commitments to levelling up across the country and supporting food security.

Download and read the letter and briefing.

Published 22 May 2023