Can Rural Living Help Tackle Britain’s Food Security Dilemma?

As the term suggests, food security is a crucial matter. Why? Because, in short, it is the state of always having enough nutritious and affordable food at your disposal. It is fair to say that Britain boasts a successful and reliable agricultural industry. However, many national and international aspects can impact both food production and costs for consumers. In this respect, one first example came from the infamous world food price spike in 2008.

Until very recently, the efficient agricultural industry in Britain would give the impression that food security would simply never be a problem. But following the events of the past couple of years, including the implementation of Brexit and the issue of driver shortages, things have slightly changed.

In fact, the UK is only about 58% self-sufficient, which means that the country is reliant on imports from across the globe. Therefore, the ongoing uncertainty about the long-term effects of Brexit and its agreements, in this sense, is doing businesses and food security no favours. Moreover, with a substantial lack of lorry drivers, food from abroad is taking longer to reach our shelves.

With this in mind, an obvious question arises: is there a way for you to tackle the food security dilemma? Flogas, an expert supplier of off-grid gas to rural homes, may have the answer. Rural living could represent a solution to actively help the UK’s food security problem.

The current situation

As mentioned, the UK relies heavily on food imports from countries all over the world. Specifically, around 46% of vegetables and 84% of fruit consumed in Britain come from abroad. From the challenges of the pandemic to the more recent driver shortage, speedy supplies to supermarkets and urban areas have been affected. Food deliveries have decreased and shelves are not as varied as they used to be.

What’s more, products have become dearer. The cost of tinned tomatoes, for instance, has risen by 30% in the space of a year. Furthermore, in 2021 a kilo of tomatoes wholesale reached £1.47 – it was 75p in 2020. Ultimately, the rise in prices is making shopping expenses less affordable.

There is also no denying that climate change can be an obstacle to food safety and quality too. From extreme weather events and increases in temperatures to reductions in water availability, this all plays a negative role in agricultural productivity.

People living rurally, however, have the chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Whether in their garden or in other accessible land, there are many options to save costs and enjoy fresh, reliable products.

Growing fruit and veg off-grid

First things first: what do you need to grow your own fruit and vegetables? Good quality soil and ample space. It is no secret that UK temperatures are rarely tropical, so bananas and pineapples are off the cards. However, fruit such as pears, apples, and strawberries can certainly be on the menu.

Popular amongst gardeners, apple trees are possibly the easiest fruit tree to grow and keep. They come in many shapes, colours, and forms, but they are usually divided into categories – dessert and cooking – with the latter ideal for cooking recipes. Some apples can easily serve both purposes too.

Pears are not difficult to nurture either and have a similar growth pattern to apples, whereas strawberries can easily be produced from hanging baskets. Compared to shop-bought ones, homegrown strawberries are juicier and simply better value. Just make sure you provide them with sun, fertile soil, and shelter.

As for vegetables, why not give potatoes a go? You cannot go wrong with an ample supply of chips, mash, and roast potatoes.

Potatoes are only one of the many vegetable options you can choose to grow at home. From radishes to chilli peppers, people who live in rural areas are spoilt for choice. If you need some advice on how to set up your own orchard and vegetable garden, you may find some inspiration on the Horticultural Society’s A-to-Z list.

As well as being an excellent food source, growing fruit and vegetables can turn into a truly entertaining hobby, especially for people who are retired or work part-time. You could even see about selling your own products to restaurants and local people who want fresh produce on their menu.

All in all, rural living and home gardening can contribute to advancing food security in these uncertain times. Homegrown fruit and vegetables may not improve Britain’s 58% self-sufficient rate, but it can certainly aid those wishing to live off-grid. Ultimately, it combines ‘business’ with pleasure – you are putting more food on your table while also taking up a new, fun pastime.