West Oxfordshire District Council to write to government requesting better support for farmers and action on protecting food supply

The motion highlighted threats from extreme weather, cyberattacks, animal and plant diseases, and international instability, alongside concerns about food affordability.  

The motion was unanimously agreed, and as a result the Council Leader will write to the Environment Secretary and local MPs calling for a comprehensive food security strategy, stronger government duties on food security, and continued investment to support climate-resilient farming, domestic food production and environmental recovery. 

The letter will also call for the government to seek stronger cyber protection for food distribution and refrigerated supply networks, including consideration of critical national infrastructure status where appropriate. 

The motion also called on the Council’s Executive to build on work already underway with farmers, businesses and community organisations to strengthen local food supplies and support sustainable production. Current support includes funding the Evenlode Catchment Partnership, which works with local farmers and landowners to support regenerative farming, manage flood risk and build more resilient food and farming businesses, alongside improving soil and water quality. The Council is also a partner in the Nature4Networks project, helping to reduce flood risk across West Oxfordshire, protect critical infrastructure and support local productivity. 

Alongside this, the Council’s Food Action Plan is supporting wider work to strengthen the local food system, tackle food poverty and support local producers. Since appointing a dedicated Food Action Plan Delivery Officer in January 2026, the Council has held discussions with more than 80 organisations across West Oxfordshire to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing local food producers, businesses and community groups. 

This work is helping to identify opportunities to strengthen local supply chains, support food and farming businesses and improve access to affordable, nutritious food. It builds on the Food Action Plan’s wider priorities to grow the local food economy and increase the amount of sustainably produced food that is produced, bought and consumed locally. 

Councillor Alistair Wray, Executive Member for Environment, said: 

“We all rely on a secure supply of good, affordable food, and we rely on our farmers and food producers to provide it. With extreme weather and global instability putting increasing pressure on food production and supply chains, we cannot afford to wait for a crisis before taking food security seriously. 

“We want to see a more resilient food system, where we produce more of what we need closer to home, support our farmers to build sustainable businesses and reduce our reliance on long and vulnerable supply chains. As consumers, we also have a part to play by choosing locally and nationally produced food where we can and reducing food waste. 

“Government has an important role to play, but there is also plenty we can do here in West Oxfordshire. We are already working with farmers, food businesses and community organisations to understand the challenges they face and find practical ways to strengthen our local food system. By working together, we can support local businesses, improve access to good food and protect the natural environment that food production depends on.”