E&I address food security worries

Monday 14 March 2022

The President of Environment & Infrastructure, Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez, has sought to alleviate concerns that local food security could be under strain following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – claiming the States is ready to act in the event of disruption.

Deputy de Sausmarez said that whilst there are no immediate issues affecting local food supplies, “we are monitoring developments closely” as the situation in Ukraine rapidly evolves.

This comes after some local food suppliers and retailers highlighted that food costs could “skyrocket” because of the war – with everything from difficulties in producing fertilisers, to transporting goods across the continent piling pressure on consumers’ pockets.

“The States and the private sector companies that form part of our supply chain have very good experience in managing supply chains through uncertain and unpredictable circumstances, including the Brexit transition and the COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.

This clip is from last night showing essential goods are coming into the island

Our supply chains are strong

Don’t buy more than you need pic.twitter.com/demUMZG6Dj

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) March 22, 2020

Pictured: The States have previously dealt with supply chain issues, as this clip from the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic shows.

The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure also said they will be carrying out a review this year to identify “any risks to or opportunities for the natural environment from our current approaches to agriculture, land use planning and fisheries.”

“The Committee will keep agricultural policy under review and if evidence shows that our agricultural policy needs to change in relation to food supplies, we’ll prioritise this work,” said Deputy De Sausmarez.

“But certainly, if events develop and require an immediate response to prevent a disruption to supplies, the States is prepared to react quickly.”