How robust is the current UK food system? What are its main strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths 3.2 The current UK food system is robust, in part because we can grow a reasonable amount of our own food domestically. The experience and calibre of farmers in the UK also provides a safeguard against some of the external pressures. At the processing, manufacturing, distribution and retail levels the system is generally able to deliver high volumes of safe, quality food to market at affordable prices. 3.3 Although the picture in terms of consumer acceptance of technologies such as GM remains unclear, we feel that in general there is an acceptance that technological inputs such as pesticides play a role in helping to secure the production of safe, low cost food in the UK. We see such consumer acceptance as a strength to the system overall and one that the government and regulators should work to maintain and develop where possible. Weaknesses 3.4 As we have set out in our position statement the UK is in part integrated in a global food supply, which means that it is inherentl
