by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The volcanic ash crisis grounding jet aircraft could cause food shortages and underlines the growing importance of local production.

That's the view of Kent-based rural commentator Pat Crawford who says while the focus has been on problems faced by travellers stranded abroad, little has been heard about the disruption to air freight, especially imported foodstuffs.

Food security has become a key issue, with many doubting the nation's ability to be anywhere near self-sufficient in production in the light of rising world population or an emergency like the present one.

Government figures show that the UK imports some 41 per cent of vegetables and 88 per cent of fruit, much of the produce flown in from East Asia and Africa.

Ms Crawford, who works with Hadlow College, one of the UK's leading education centres for land-based industries, warns that if aircraft are grounded for much longer, the nation could face "substantial" shortages of fresh produce.

And she urges consumers to buy local when they can.

Ms Crawford said: "The current crisis highlights the importance of becoming far more self-sufficient in food production with Kent farmers playing a major part.

"We have become too reliant on imported foodstuffs and we can now see that it only takes one event - in this case volcanic ash grounding jet aircraft - to demonstrate just how vulnerable the UK is in terms of food security.

"The longer airfreight is cancelled or delayed, the greater the potential for food shortages.

"Kent producers are already upping their production - and they will no doubt do their utmost to overcome any crises that occur.

"But consumers need to be more aware than ever of the importance of supporting our farmers by buying regional produce whenever possible."