Defra Secretary addresses National Food Strategy and faces tough questions from NFU President

At the second day of Conference, Defra Secretary Thérèse Coffey spoke to delegates about the National Food Strategy and food security amidst recent headlines. NFU President Minette Batters, and members in attendance, questioned her on the government’s promises, including the commitment to report on the state of food security every three years, and the aim to maintain or increase self-sufficiency levels. 

The NFU had hosted an emergency press conference in December, outlining their asks for fairness for farmers and growers, including the establishment of a new food security target and a new target for public sector organisations to buy 50% of their food locally. Mrs Batters pressed Dr Coffey on these points, citing Labour’s commitment to the 50% figure for public procurement. Dr Coffey expressed her intention to maintain current levels of food production and encouraged people to buy the best produce available, including British produce where possible. 

Dr Coffey also discussed rural communities and species reintroduction, stating that her department will prioritise rural areas in the government’s levelling up mission. She acknowledged successful translocations and reintroductions of certain species but emphasised the importance of improving and expanding habitats.  

During the Q&A session, Dr Coffey addressed questions on transparency around the Basic Payment Scheme and government funding, encouraging diversification and working with other government departments to make it easier for farmers. 

The National Farmers’ Union President, Minette Batters, spoke with “The Grover” and described Coffey’s performance at the conference as “surreal” and accused her of losing the room with her comments. Batters cited the case of an egg producer who reportedly “collapsed in tears” after Coffey denied that the egg sector had experienced market failure, despite the lowest production levels in nine years.  

Since the NFU conference, Defra Secretary Thérèse Coffey faced heavy criticism from farmers at the NFU Conference for her dismissive response to the shortages of fruit and vegetables in UK supermarkets. Coffey’s remark that “we can’t control the weather in Spain” was seen as insensitive by many farmers who are struggling to cope with the crisis. Coffey was also criticized for her apparent denial of the crisis in the egg and pig sectors during a heated Q&A exchange with delegates. 

Despite the backlash, Coffey stood by her position during parliamentary questions, claiming that the UK had a “highly resilient food supply chain and is well equipped to deal with situations that have the potential to cause disruption”. However, her suggestion that British shoppers should embrace seasonal vegetables like turnips was met with derision from opposition MPs and on social media.