Sheffield experts say more local food producers could be needed after the coronavirus pandemic

A group of experts from the University of Sheffield’s Institute for Sustainable Food will make recommendations to the government on how more local production could improve long-term UK food security.

In a major study into the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local food producers, academics will investigate how local supply chains have given people access to food during the crisis and how they can prevent long-term shortages.

It comes after some shoppers were accused of ‘stock-piling’ essential items such as bread, milk and eggs when lockdown was enforced on March 23, following reports of empty supermarket shelves.

The project which aims to release its initial findings in September 2020, will track emergency responses in the immediate Covid-19 crisis period and develop strategies to inform longer-term resilience plans.

Sheffield experts warn social distancing measures have caused major disruption to the UK’s food sector – from shortages of fruit pickers, restaurant closures and spikes in demand for certain products – which they say could be made worse by Brexit.

With just 16 per cent of fruit and 53 per cent of vegetables sold grown domestically, academics are concerned the UK is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in international supply chains.

The study will gather data about how local food systems are responding to the pandemic and make recommendations for the industry and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Associate Director of the Institute for Sustainable Food at the University of Sheffield Dr Anna Krzywoszynska said: “We know that our food systems are not sustainable, and the Covid-19 pandemic is a direct result of this unsustainability.

“We have a chance to use this moment to change food systems for the better.

“We know that re-localising food is key for food security and for human and environmental health.

“This project will allow us to better understand how we can strengthen the local food sector in the UK to ensure a better food future.

“I am thrilled that we can contribute to this important and timely work through our research.”