Against food self-sufficiency

I am preoccupied with other things at present but cannot resist commenting on the British governments drive to encourage greater national self sufficiency in food. This is a peculiar target to aim for.

Surely the key criterion in food production is to produce plentiful cheap food on a global scale. The more plentiful, inexpensive food there is for everyone the better.

In addition, global trade in food in itself has substantial benefits even leaving aside the possibility of raising global output. If for some reason the food supply in one place is disrupted it can be sourced from elsewhere.

In broad terms agribusiness is a huge success. It has enabled us to provide more and better food for more people then ever before. The challenge is to make it even more productive. The best way to achieve this goal is on a global scale.