British premier to launch food security index amid alarming decline in farming self-sufficiency

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to unveil a new food security index at a "farm to fork" summit on Tuesday at Downing Street.

The summit comes as experts warn that extreme weather conditions this year could slash the UK's self-sufficiency in food production by 8%.

Sunak will acknowledge the severe challenges posed by recent adverse weather, according to a statement by 10 Downing Street. "I know for many farmers the impact of adverse weather in recent months has made working the land even harder," Sunak will say.

"But my message is clear, our support for you is unwavering, and we will be with you every step of the way."

The government will also back farmers to get a fair price for their products by laying new regulations in parliament for eggs, fresh produce and pigs, ensuring they have reasonable and transparent contracts.

A survey by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) highlights a grim outlook for UK agriculture.

Farmer confidence has plummeted to its lowest since the survey began in 2010. A staggering 82% of respondents reported their farm businesses had suffered fairly negative or very negative effects due to recent extreme floods.

Furthermore, 65% of farmers indicated that profits are declining or their businesses may not survive.