It is signed by Food and Drink Federation chief executive Ian Wright and co-signed by 31 other industry leaders, including Kate Nicholls of UKHospitality, James Bielby of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD), and Richard Harrow of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF).
It says: “Covid-19 is the biggest threat this country has faced in decades, and all over the world we are seeing its devastating impact. It is therefore not surprising that this creates huge challenges for the United Kingdom.
“Our food and farming industries are working hand-in-hand with departments across the Government on a daily basis to ensure that consumers have continued confidence that there will be adequate supplies of food and drink.
“This global crisis highlights just how integral food and farming industries are to our country’s critical national infrastructure and Government has rightly acknowledged the crucial role played by the more than 4m hidden heroes in every community that work across the UK’s essential farm-to-fork supply chain.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that we keep imports and exports of food and drink flowing. Essential movements of ingredients and raw materials must continue so that we can supply consumers across the UK.
“The continuation of trading through open markets will also be absolutely vital to help aid the global economic recovery and protect the economies of many supplying countries. We have seen some countries introduce trade restrictions that may have the unfortunate consequence of impeding the flow of goods between nations.
“While it is understandable that some may place temporary selective restrictions on exports where there is a direct threat posed to the ability of their communities to access affordable food and drink, it is incumbent on the UK and other developed nations to lead the way and reject moves towards protectionism.”
The UK food and drink exports more than £23bn of products each year.