Food security tops agenda in Defra minister’s first farm visit

Building resilience into British food production was high on the agenda when new Defra farming minister Stephen Morgan visited NFU president Tom Bradshaw’s Essex farm on Thursday (18 June).

The farm visit was Mr Morgan’s first since taking up the role following a ministerial reshuffle, where he replaced Dame Angela Eagle.

Discussions centred on the pressures facing farmers and growers, including rising input costs linked to conflict in the Middle East, as well as the impacts of climate change and extreme weather.

See also: Stephen Morgan replaces Eagle as Defra farming minister

During the meeting, Mr Bradshaw highlighted the economic strain facing farm businesses, warning that higher fuel and fertiliser costs were eroding already tight margins.

“Building resilience into UK food and farming is crucial,” he said.

“We have heard many times from this government that food security is national security – and that has to be the mindset.” 

Mr Bradshaw urged the minister to prioritise measures that would encourage investment, including planning reforms to support reservoir construction and more flexible abstraction licences.

“We agreed there is much work to do. But only by working together can we strengthen national food security and invest in the future of Britain’s farming sector,” said Mr Bradshaw.

© NFU

Policy track record

Mr Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, now has responsibility for food security, farming, fisheries, trade, science, innovation and rural affairs.

Although he has no farming background, his parliamentary record shows some interest in animal welfare and food policy.

In 2025, he welcomed the government’s animal welfare strategy, which includes plans to phase out colony cages for laying hens and pig farrowing crates, review carbon dioxide stunning for pigs, and introduce humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish.

As an education minister, he also highlighted the role of public-sector food procurement in supporting sustainability, animal welfare and economic growth.

Separately, the Ulster Farmers’ Union has written to Mr Morgan urging him to introduce mandatory country-of-origin labelling for beef sold through food service, hospitality, catering and processed products to improve transparency for consumers.