Speaking in advance of this week's Budget announcement, Melanie Leech, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said:

"Food security is at the top of the agenda nationally and globally. This must be the year that the Chancellor recognises the strategic importance of the food and drink manufacturing industry - the UK's largest manufacturing sector, giving a clear signal of confidence to investors and potential industry entrants alike."

She goes on to say; "We also need financial incentives to encourage businesses to invest in key capital improvements earlier than they will otherwise be able to in the current economic climate. And to invest in the skills of the future, including continued efforts to tackle the shortage of food scientists, engineers and technologists and flexibilities in the Train to Gain Programme to support an industry on which the country's future food security and prosperity depends."

The food and drink manufacturing industry is the single largest manufacturing sector in the UK, with a turnover of £72.6bn and a gross value added of £21.6bn, accounting for 14% of the total manufacturing sector. The industry employs some 440,000 people representing 14% of the manufacturing workforce in the UK.

Alistair Darling has a difficult task on his hands. Food prices are rising due to the weak pound and a recent report told us that a fifth of older people are cutting back on food to save money, with a quarter skipping meals altogether.

So what measures do you think he should he implement to aid the UK food industry? Here's your chance to play Chancellor for the day and share your ideas with us...