The Strategic Necessity of Food Security: Lessons from UK and US Agriculture – don’t upset the Farmers

Introduction

In both the United Kingdom and the United States, agriculture finds itself at a critical juncture. The sector is grappling with the compounding effects of climate change, labour shortages, and volatile policy shifts. These pressures have been further amplified in recent UK budgetary decisions that appear to deprioritise farming support, placing food security at risk. This essay argues that agriculture is a fundamental industry, not merely for its economic contributions but as a bedrock of national security. As such, it must be shielded from becoming a political bargaining chip, as has arguably happened in the UK. Short-term policy changes driven by shifting political agendas jeopardise the stability of agriculture, and by extension, the food supply, with serious ramifications for both economies and societies.

Agriculture as a Pillar of National Security

Agriculture has always been an essential part of a nation’s resilience. In both the UK and the US, domestic farming underpins food security and shields the economy from global supply chain disruptions. However, its value extends beyond economic indicators. A self-reliant, robust food supply is crucial for any nation’s stability. History illustrates that a country’s capacity to feed its population is closely tied to social and political stability; disruptions in food access and availability can provoke inflation, economic hardship, and social unrest. Yet despite its strategic importance, agriculture remains vulnerable to political shifts. In the UK, the government’s recent poorly thought through tax raised enormous concerns for the sector’s future. By diverting support from traditional farming operations to more politically favoured initiatives, the government risks destabilising an already vulnerable industry. Meanwhile, in the US, agriculture benefits from substantial federal support, although it too faces significant challenges, particularly in Western states like California where water rights issues and labour shortages inhibit productivity.

A Comparative Look at Agriculture in the US and UK

To fully appreciate the stakes, one must examine the scale and structure of agriculture in both nations:

United States: The US encompasses approximately 900 million acres of farmland, with around 2 million individuals identified as primary farm operators. However, these numbers mask a concerning reality: farmers constitute less than 2% of the workforce. Mechanisation and corporate consolidation have led to fewer, larger farming operations, but the industry now finds itself exposed to the escalating effects of climate change, water scarcity, and labour shortages.

United Kingdom: The UK, by comparison, has around 44.6 million acres of farmland, with roughly 150,000 individuals engaged in agricultural work. Of these, fewer than 100,000 are full-time farmers, making up less than 1% of the UK’s workforce. British farmers face many of the same challenges as their US counterparts but are also contending with unique pressures. Following Brexit, UK farmers have had reduced access to both EU labour pools and markets. Recent UK budget decisions that shift support away from core agricultural values risk further weakening an already strained workforce reliant heavily on family tradition.

This comparison highlights the urgent need for stable, long term agricultural support. If undermined by short sighted policies, both nations face vulnerabilities in their domestic food systems and increased reliance on international markets, leaving them exposed to global supply chain disruptions and price volatility.

The Double Bind of Environmental and Political Sensitivity

The vulnerability of agriculture to environmental shifts, including climate and water availability, cannot be overstated. In areas like the US West and the Southeast of England, changing weather patterns and water scarcity are having a marked impact on crop yields. Farmers in California, for instance, are facing one of the most severe droughts in recorded history, while British farmers are struggling to adapt to increasingly erratic weather. Yet political decisions add an additional layer of complexity:

Water Management: Both the Western US and certain parts of the UK suffer from water scarcity. In California, water rights are dictated by complex, often conflicting legal frameworks, creating competition between farmers, urban users, and environmental interests. UK farmers face similar pressures, as stricter regulations and limitations on irrigation complicate their ability to maintain productivity. Decisions around water allocation have enormous implications for agricultural viability.

Labour and Immigration Policies: Agriculture in both the UK and US is highly reliant on seasonal, often migrant labour. In the US, stringent immigration restrictions have led to severe labour shortages, increasing costs and leaving farms understaffed. In the UK, Brexit has severely limited access to EU labour, leaving farmers without adequate personnel to harvest crops. Policy decisions in this arena directly affect farm operations, productivity, and ultimately the price and availability of food.

Volatile Subsidies: Government support is vital for farming communities, which are typically highly susceptible to market shifts and environmental impacts. However, recent budgetary changes in the UK reflect a concerning trend: priorities are being reallocated from traditional farming to programmes that may carry more political appeal, but provide little support for farmers facing real threats. Without a consistent framework for subsidy support, British agriculture may become increasingly unsustainable, with consequences for food security.

The Implications for Food Security

These environmental and political pressures are creating a scenario where agriculture’s capacity to sustain food supply is increasingly compromised. Declines in agricultural productivity could lead to higher food prices, shortages, and reduced dietary variety, undermining food security. This issue extends beyond rural communities to affect consumers, the economy, and national stability. The UK and US face a shared imperative: to stabilise and protect domestic agriculture through policy that reinforces resilience. Some farmers have begun to invest in innovative solutions, drought resistant crops, water recycling technologies, and regenerative agriculture. However, scaling these solutions will require cooperation across government, industry, and society.

Safeguarding Agriculture

Policy Recommendations To address the crisis in agriculture, both the UK and US should pursue a multi-pronged strategy that safeguards the food supply and reinforces the sector’s resilience:

1. Water Management Innovation: Investing in advanced irrigation systems, water recycling, and exploring desalination could mitigate water shortages in affected areas.

2. Incentivising Sustainable Practices: Policies that encourage regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices could enhance soil health, protect biodiversity, and support long-term resilience.

3. Climate Adaptation Measures: Developing climate-resilient crops and adapting agricultural practices to better withstand extreme weather should be prioritised.

4. Support for Agricultural Labour and Farm Owners: Reforming immigration policies and improving working conditions in agriculture could address labour shortages and create a more reliable workforce. UK Inheritance tax policy pertaining to Farmers (who also are land owners) should also be addressed as a matter of urgency, to stop the risk of irreversible crisis in the industry caused by the UK Government’s budget on October 30th.

Summarising: It is a Collective Responsibility

The challenges facing agriculture in the UK and US are not just issues for farmers, but for all consumers, communities, and policymakers who rely on stable, affordable food supplies. Addressing these problems will require comprehensive, forward-looking policy that strengthens the resilience of agriculture, protecting it from short-term political influence. Food security, after all, is a matter of national interest and must not be treated as a disposable line item on a budget sheet or a political football. Both countries must acknowledge the strategic importance of agriculture by committing to policies that safeguard it from political and environmental instability. By doing so, they can ensure that future generations will have access to a reliable, diverse, and affordable food supply, a goal as vital as it is achievable, only if we have Farmers. So, let’s not upset them.