The UK’s food industry needs more investment in order become more productive, according to the National Farmers Union (NFU).

Speaking at the Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum this morning (2 February), Terry Jones, head of government affairs for NFU said that farming needs to “rise to the challenges it faces”, including improving food security.

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Last month, the Government launched plans to boost UK food production over the next 20 years and called for farmers to produce more sustainably to respond to mounting environmental challenges.

Jones said the UK can be central to moves to make global food production more secure but insisted the agricultural sector needed the support of government and business to become more productive.

“Times are changing, attitudes are changing. Farming is a sector that has a lot to offer. The food price spikes of 2008 really turned the tide. Some saw food security as a challenge, but increasingly, we need to ask, how can the UK play its role in food security? We are very lucky in having a thriving market on our doorstep,” Jones said.

He added: “We need the government and the market to send the right signals to consumers. If the UK is to become more productive then it will need more investment. The Government can inspire that with the joining-up of policy.”

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Jones said the NFU plans to build 1,000 biogass plants by 2020 in a bid to provide the agricultural sector with a source of environmentally-friendly fuel.

“This could provide fuel for farmers, consumers and the environment. We hope UK farming will be efficient, technically advanced and responsive to the market and will continue to reduce its impact on the market,” Jones said.