The government must work more closely with households, communities and industry to ensure the food supply chain can withstand increasingly likely and severe shocks including extreme weather events, cyber-attacks and disease outbreaks, according to a report from the National Audit Office.

The government has designated food as one of 13 critical national infrastructure sectors that it considers essential for the country to function properly. The NAO warns that short- and long-term risks that could significantly affect the food supply chain are becoming more likely and potentially more severe. The report found that Defra has taken some positive steps to improve its preparedness for food supply disruptions, such as expanding its food supply chain resilience team and increasing its focus on planning for catastrophic events where food supply would be seriously affected.

However, the report says Defra has done too little in recent years to encourage businesses, households and communities to strengthen resilience and prepare for potential food shortages caused by disruption to the food supply chain.

Scenario exercises that test Defra’s preparedness for catastrophic events that would severely disrupt food supply – the last national exercise took place in 2023 – have also largely excluded food supply chain businesses, with some indicating that they would welcome inclusion in future exercises.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “Recent disruptions have shown the resilience of the UK’s food supply chain, but risks are increasing in likelihood and severity. Defra should learn from approaches taken in other countries, and strengthen preparedness for emergencies by testing plans with local government and industry.”

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