Scottish Farmers Sound Food Security Alarm As Britain Relies On Global Supplies

Scottish farming leaders have warned that mounting pressure on domestic food production could leave Britain increasingly exposed to international disruption, as figures reveal how heavily the country already depends on supplies from around the globe.

The warning comes against a backdrop of extensive reliance on overseas suppliers. Defra figures show imports accounted for 42% of UK food consumption in 2025, measured by the farm-gate value of raw food. The EU supplied 23%, with another 19% arriving from countries beyond the bloc. UK production accounted for 58%.

Those global connections extend across continents: Africa supplied 5% of UK food consumption, Asia and South America each contributed 4%, and European countries outside the EU supplied 3%. North America accounted for 2% and Australasia 1%.

For fresh produce, overseas growers play an especially significant role. Domestic production contributed just 14% of total UK fruit supply in 2025, while fruit imports rose by 8.2% to 3.6 million tonnes. Home-grown vegetables accounted for around 56% of supply, with imports totalling approximately 2.1 million tonnes.

In evidence to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, NFU Scotland warned that rising input costs, labour shortages, extreme weather and volatile markets were placing substantial strain on farm businesses. Any decline in domestic production, it argued, would increase reliance on imports and exposure to global shocks.

The union wants continued red diesel duty relief, emergency energy support and a Farm Energy Resilience Fund, combining immediate assistance with investment in more efficient production.

Responding to reporting in The Herald, the UK Government pointed to cuts in red diesel duty and £65 million in funding to help farmers manage drought pressures, protect crops and strengthen resilience.

NFU Scotland also recognises that imports support consumer choice and year-round availability. Its warning highlights the importance of maintaining viable British farms within a food system that also depends on international suppliers.

Defra’s assessment reinforces that balance: strong domestic production and a diverse range of trading partners together offer greater resilience. For the fresh produce sector, safeguarding Britain’s food supply means supporting growers at home while maintaining dependable access to harvests around the world.