Ecosystem Collapse, Food Insecurity and the United Kingdom: Integrating National Security and Long-term Food System Reform

September 2026Environment Agriculture

Abstract

While the United Kingdom (UK) has had an integrated food market since the mid-19th century, food is not a reserved matter following devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As a result, food policy is increasingly shaped by distinct national frameworks and strategies across the UK. The wider UK food system generated approximately £153 billion in gross value added (GVA) in 2023. Agricultural production formed an important part of that wider system, contributing £14.5 billion of GVA in 2024 (0.56% of total UK GVA), of which England accounted for 73%, Scotland 15%, Wales 8% and Northern Ireland 4%.

Subscribe to reador

On 9th September 2024, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Fiji formally proposed an ecocide amendment to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court. If adopted, ecocide would become a...Read more

Jürg Gassmann

Director and General Counsel, Envisionation Limited, Ireland

Biodiversity Net Gain and the Task Force for NatureDisclosures Help Prevent the Sixth Mass Extinction?

Scientists recognise a dual planetary crisis: climate breakdown and biodiversity loss. The current extermination of nature by humans is often called the sixth mass extinction. Climate breakdown is caused by...Read more

Simon Boyle

Legal Director, Landmark Information Group, UK

Compliance Programs: Step-by-Step Guide to Building and Scaling Effective Programs from Start-Ups to Large Enterprises

Business operates in a world of risks including geopolitical, regulatory, environmental, and macroeconomic. Many of these risks cannot be controlled. On the other hand, “conduct based risk”, or risks stemming...Read more

Ecosystem Collapse, Food Insecurity and the United Kingdom: Integrating National Security and Long-term Food System Reform

Abstract

Related Papers