The UK government’s strategy to boost domestic poultry production as a means of improving food security has drawn significant criticism from environmental and agricultural advocacy groups.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds announced the initiative earlier this month at the Groundswell agriculture festival, stating that increased homegrown food production is essential for national security. Reynolds indicated that planning constraints represent a major barrier to poultry sector expansion and noted the government has established a Farming and Food Partnership Board with industry representation to accelerate growth. Ministers have reportedly been considering changes to planning rules that would facilitate the construction of intensive livestock farms.
Critics argue the approach is counterproductive to actual food security objectives. Sustain and Communities Against Factory Farming contend that intensive poultry farming is resource-intensive and inefficient, ultimately creating vulnerabilities rather than resilience. They point to the sector’s heavy reliance on imported animal feed, particularly soy from South America, which accounts for approximately 18% of produced animal feed according to the government’s own national security assessment. Campaigners propose prioritizing plant-based protein sources such as pulses, legumes, nuts and beans instead.
The debate occurs within a broader context of food security concerns. The government’s farming roadmap, released last month, identified geopolitical instability, climate change, environmental degradation and supply chain disruptions as threats to the UK’s food supply, warning of potential severe price shocks and reduced availability of certain foods. National security officials have similarly cautioned that climate change and ecosystem collapse present significant threats.
Some industry representatives acknowledge the need for balanced approaches. Riverford’s regenerative farming lead expressed support for planning reforms enabling farmer investment in infrastructure such as reservoirs and renewable energy, but cautioned against measures that compromise water quality, biodiversity or animal welfare. Academic experts suggest food security should become a central organizing principle for agricultural policy in an increasingly volatile global environment.
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