Question 1: Define 'food security' in the context of the UK.

Answer: Food security refers to the reliable availability and access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet the dietary needs of all people in the UK.

Question 2: What is 'food import dependence'?

Answer: Food import dependence is the reliance of the UK on imported food products to meet domestic demand.

Question 3: Explain 'sustainable agriculture'.

Answer: Sustainable agriculture involves farming practices that maintain productivity while minimizing environmental impact and conserving resources for future generations.

Question 4: Name one major UK food crop and its primary growing region.

Answer: Wheat; primarily grown in East Anglia.

Question 5: Define 'carbon footprint' in relation to food production.

Answer: The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by food production and supply chains.

Question 1: Which UK region is most known for vegetable production, especially carrots and potatoes?

Answer: The East Midlands

Question 2: Name two countries from which the UK imports a significant proportion of its food.

Answer: The Netherlands and France

Question 3: What is a major environmental challenge affecting UK food production?

Answer: Climate change leading to unpredictable weather patterns and droughts.

Question 4: Describe one method UK farmers are using to increase sustainability.

Answer: Implementing crop rotation to improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

Question 5: Explain why the UK is increasingly relying on food imports.

Answer: Due to limited arable land, changing climatic conditions, and the demand for a wider variety of foods year-round.

Question 1: Based on the recent data, the UK imports approximately 40% of its food from the EU. Discuss two potential risks associated with this reliance.

Answer: Risks include exposure to trade disruptions such as Brexit-related border delays and potential increases in food prices due to tariffs or supply chain issues.

Question 2: Identify and explain one strategy the UK government is implementing to improve food self-sufficiency.

Answer: Promoting local farming initiatives and subsidies to increase domestic food production, thereby reducing dependence on imports.

Question 3: Analyze the impact of climate change on UK crop yields, using specific examples.

Answer: Climate change has led to unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts in southern England and wetter conditions in the north, affecting crop yields such as wheat and barley. These changes threaten food security and require adaptation measures like drought-resistant crops.

Question 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of current policies aimed at reducing the UK's food import dependence.

Answer: Current policies, including support for local farmers and sustainable agriculture, have had mixed success. While some increase in domestic production is evident, high costs and climatic challenges limit significant reductions in import reliance. A balanced approach considering environmental sustainability and economic feasibility is essential for long-term success.

Question 1: Explain why climate change poses a threat to the sustainability of UK agriculture.

Answer: Climate change causes more extreme weather events, such as droughts and flooding, which damage crops, reduce yields, and increase production costs. These impacts threaten the long-term sustainability of UK farming and food security.

Question 2: Analyse the economic and environmental factors influencing UK food import choices.

Answer: Economic factors include cost competitiveness and trade agreements, while environmental considerations involve carbon footprint and sustainability standards. Choices are influenced by the need to balance affordability with environmental impact, leading to increased imports from countries with lower production costs but potentially higher environmental costs.

Question 3: Explain how technological advances can help UK agriculture become more sustainable.

Answer: Technological advances such as precision farming, GPS-guided equipment, and improved crop varieties can increase efficiency, reduce resource use, and lower environmental impacts, making UK agriculture more sustainable.

Question 1: To what extent are current UK policies successful in ensuring food security amidst environmental challenges? Justify your answer.

Answer: Current policies have made some progress in promoting sustainable practices and supporting local farmers. However, environmental challenges such as climate change and global supply chain disruptions limit their overall success. While policies are a step in the right direction, a comprehensive approach integrating technological innovation, environmental conservation, and economic support is necessary for long-term food security.

Question 2: Evaluate the potential of increasing domestic food production to reduce UK dependence on imports.

Answer: Increasing domestic food production can enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports, especially during global disruptions. However, limitations include land availability, climate constraints, and economic costs. Sustainable intensification and technological innovations could improve viability, but a balanced approach considering environmental impacts is essential for success.