Barrowford, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/31/2015 -- Robinson Polytunnels, a Lancashire-based seller of polytunnels and fruit cages, have shared their thoughts on reports from the National Farmers Union (NFU) which suggest demand for food from British farms will soon exceed supply.
The warning that demand will outstrip supply by 2030 came from a report which argued that self-sufficiency in the UK is in a 30-year downward trend with only 60% of produce coming from UK farms – a number they say may drop to 53% in the next 3 decades.
The NFU warned that implications could be grave, affecting everything from employment and economy to food security.
Farmers across the country have plead with politician to create a blueprint to address and tackle the issue so that the sector can better handle challenges such as climate change, population expansion and market instability.
Guy Smith, NFU vice president, explained: "Currently, farming grows most of the raw ingredients for Britain's food and drink industry - worth £97 billion - which provides jobs for 3.5 million people across the country. "With that in mind, the prospect of the UK becoming less than 50 per cent self-sufficient should ring alarm bells across all political parties.
"Our burgeoning trade deficit in food and drink isn't just worrying in terms of food security; it also has important implications for jobs and general economic health."
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) representative, said: ""From farm to fork, our food industry is in good health - it generated a record £103 billion for our economy last year, more than cars and aerospace combined.
"We are helping the industry become more competitive, at home and abroad, by opening up record numbers of international food markets to export our produce, making it easier for our schools and hospitals to buy local, helping consumers choose UK products and investing in cutting-edge technology like GPS-guided tractors."
Responding to the news, Robinson Polytunnels, a company specializing in polytunnels, fruit cages and other farming equipment, believe that the industry needs more support.
A spokesman said: "The findings from NFU are worrying. With population set to increase rapidly, more needs to be done to bolster farming in this country and ensure that we're more self-sufficient and not relying as much on importing food from other countries.
"However, self-sufficiency starts and home and it would be great to see more individuals in the UK taking up gardening and farming. As a seller of polytunnels and fruit cages, we can say confidently that with even a small plot of land can grow own delicious fruits and vegetables with ease."
About Robinson Polytunnels
Robinson Polytunnels are based in Lancashire and sell a wide selection of fruit cages, polytunnels, raised beds and growth-aiding accessories both in-store and online.
For more information about their products and how they work, visit http://www.robinsonpolytunnels.co.uk
Media Contact:
Company name: Robinson Polytunnels Limited
Tel: 01282 501252
Website: http://www.robinsonpolytunnels.co.uk
Contact person: Stuart Robinson
Email: info@robinsonpolytunnels.co.uk
Address: Pasture Barn East
Pasture Lane
Barrowford
BB9 6QX