The UK’s pathway to greater food security is being held back by a range of legal and regulatory barriers, a new report from leading national law firm HCR has claimed.

In a new report entitled ‘Food for Thought – Shaping Sustainable Farming Futures’, HCR Law highlights the hurdles which are putting food security at risk and what needs to be done to boost UK food production.

Rory Hutchings, partner in the agriculture and estates team at HCR Law, says the report is a timely reminder of the importance of placing food security at the heart of the national security debate, especially at a time of heightened global tensions.

“The report aims to highlight the significant challenges UK farmers face in ensuring food security for the nation,” says Mr Hutchings.

“While ‘food security’ is a common phrase in the farming industry and features on most agendas at conferences and events, the report highlights that meaningful action is still lacking from government, despite the urgent need for change.”

The report, which includes insights from leading agricultural bodies such as NFU Cymru, CLA, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) and TIAH, outlines these barriers and, crucially, recommendations for reform.

Mr Hutchings says: “From policy and planning issues to regulatory burdens, labour shortages and restrictive supply chain contracts, the report sheds light on the legal hurdles farmers must overcome to remain profitable and sustainable.

“The report covers many of the hurdles that reduce confidence and investment and ultimately impact on our ability to produce food.

“However, it’s also important that while producing food, farming meets what is needed to preserve and enhance the environment, but environmental enhancement can only thrive if farm businesses are economically viable.”

This theme of business viability was highlighted in Baroness Minette Batters’ Farm Profitability Review, published in late 2025, and has sparked much debate since then.

Mr Hutchings hopes 'Food for Thought’ will build on this important work and help draw policymakers’ attention to the need for reform.

"As the UK faces increasing pressures on food security, this report calls for immediate action from policymakers to unlock the barriers holding back UK farming. We must ensure that our agricultural sector can thrive, feed the nation and create thriving farm businesses which remain at the heart of domestic food production,” he adds.

"The report identifies that there needs to be a more balanced approach between prioritising both food production and environmental sustainability.

“And it advocates for clearer regulations, better support for agri-tech adoption, and strategic policy reforms to ensure farmers can invest in growth, innovation, and long-term resilience.”

To download a copy of the report, please visit: https://www.hcrlaw.com/service-team/agriculture-and-estates/food-for-thought-shaping-sustainable-farming-futures/