The Co-op is spotlighting serious concerns over the growing vulnerability of the domestic food system after data it obtained from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) showed that UK meat imports were up 15% year on year.
As a result, the grocer is calling on Downing Street to support and scale agricultural co-operatives in a bid to build British food security and resilience.
It warns that an overreliance on imported meat risks leaving an already fragile British food supply chain increasingly exposed to the vicissitudes of modern geopolitics.
In light of ongoing wars in Ukraine and Iran affecting global food distribution systems, combined with an increasingly volatile climate, the risks are becoming crystal clear.
“Our East of Scotland Growers Cooperative dates back to 1987 and brings together 20 member growers across a wide geographical spread. Being grower owned creates genuine alignment between farmers, the land and the route to market,” said Matt O’Hagan, technical director at ESG Drysdale, a co-operative business.
“Working collaboratively over the long term, the co-operative model supports responsible land stewardship, investment in sustainable farming practices, and the ability to adapt to environmental and climate challenges.”
He continued: “The structure gives farmers a real voice in how their produce is sold and valued, building trust, stability and long-term confidence. That alignment allows us to plan effectively, maintain quality and manage the volatility that continues to challenge the wider sector. It’s a proven, sustainable model that brings clear benefits to the UK food system.”
Figures obtained by Co-op showed that poultry was the most imported protein, worth almost £2 billion, with imports from Poland and the Netherlands accounting for the largest share, including products such as chicken.
As businesses seek more cost-effective options, however, poultry imports from Thailand saw a significant increase, rising by nearly 50% on 2024.
Co-op, which only sells and uses 100% British meat and poultry, said the data underlined “the critical importance of strong domestic production” and encouraged the Government to support the growth of agricultural co-operatives across the food system.
The retailer argues that expanding the co-operative model could play a key role in strengthening UK food security and resilience.
According to Co-op, recent estimates indicate that there are 526 agricultural co-operatives in the UK, generating income of more than £9 billion.
Paul Gerrard, director of public affairs and campaigns at Co-op, added: “The issue of supply chain resilience is upon us now and there is a clear and demonstrable benefit to the co-operative business model in agriculture.
“An expansion of agricultural co-operation is both an economic opportunity and a political imperative. It directly addresses the need for a more secure and sustainable food system, one less exposed to the volatility of global markets and the instability of a rapidly changing world.
“As the largest consumer co-operative in the UK, we are clear how the model naturally lends itself to sharing costs and spreading risk, making the day-to-day fundamentals of farming more efficient. The untapped potential of agricultural co-operatives is an opportunity to strengthen our food system and deliver a better deal for British farming.”
