Will Brexit disrupt Sheffield’s food supply?

An update on the city’s preparedness for the end of the UK’s transition from the European Union was presented at a recent meeting of the council’s overview and scrutiny management committee.

In reply to a question on disruptions to food supply, James Henderson, director of policy, performance and communications at the council, who gave the presentation, said: “This is quite a difficult one, the challenge is the moment you start talking about disruptions to food supply problems it almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy if you’re not careful. Talking about panic buying leads to panic buying even if you are telling people not to panic buy. We sort of saw that in the run up to lockdown.

“We have been thinking about how we can raise this issue without sparking panic and clearly the time of year doesn’t help.

“Firstly, we are in a holiday period and secondly, we are more dependent on food imports at this time of year than we are at other points of the year because the UK growing season hasn’t started and that in itself is an issue, so we are more dependent than we otherwise would be.

“The government’s view is there will not be an overall reduction in food supply but the choice and availability of some particular food stuffs may be less than we currently have in place. So the mix of food might not be what we would normally have but they are saying they do not anticipate, even in a reasonably worse case scenario, that there will be a problem with overall food supplies.

“The impact, if there is any, is likely to be on fresh foods, not on things like pasta, rice, loo rolls. So it’s likely to be fresh fruits and veg where the issues are if there are going to be any.”

For advice on preparing to leave the EU, visit https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/your-city-council/leaving-eu

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.