Leading figures across the food industry have today joined the Government to advise on a national food strategy
Leading figures across the food industry have today joined the Government to advise on a national food strategy (21 March).
Britain is known for its top-tier restaurants, talented chefs, skilled farmers, and a remarkable mix of cultural and traditional dishes that are celebrated globally. Yet, British cuisine has often been undervalued, and it isn't right that not everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food.
The cross-government food strategy will restore pride in British food by ensuring a food system that backs British food, grows the economy, feeds the nation, nourishes individuals, and protects the planet, now and in the future.
The Food Strategy Advisory Board (FSAB) will bring together senior leaders from across the food system, representing a wealth of experience and expertise to advise on a clear vision and framework for change, as part of the Government's Plan for Change.
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, will act as Chair, with the first meeting on Wednesday 26 March. The Board will initially meet monthly.
Defra has worked closely with the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) in establishing the Board. The IGD will act as a co-secretariat for its meetings. More broadly on the food strategy and engagement across the food system, the IGD will act as a neutral convenor, drawing on its charitable status and commitment to public benefit.
The food strategy will work to improve our food system to:
provide more easily accessible and affordable healthy food to tackle diet-related ill health; helping to give children the best start in life and help adults live longer healthier lives;
maintain our food security by building resilience in the face of climate shocks and geopolitical changes, strengthening the supply chain which operates so effectively to keep us fed;
reduce the impact of farming and food production on nature, biodiversity and climate, while supporting the sector through that transition;
ensure growth is at the heart of our strategy using our Growth Mission to drive the investment, productivity and innovation that builds resilience, so that our largest manufacturing sector can realise its potential for economic growth.
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner said:
Our food and farming sectors are the corner stone of our national identity and economy. We celebrate the great work that farmers, growers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers do across the country that puts delicious food on our tables.
However, unhealthy diets are driving skyrocketing obesity rates, food security is under pressure from climate change and the way our supply chain works means some farmers are struggling to make a profit.
Our cross-government food strategy will make sure our food system can continue to feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, protect the planet, and nourish individuals, now and in the future.
By bringing together expertise from across the food chain, this new Advisory Board will help us build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for everyone. I look forward to chairing these vital discussions and working together to deliver meaningful change.
Institute of Grocery Distribution CEO Sarah Bradbury said:
We are delighted to be given the opportunity to support Defra, working alongside and uniting stakeholders from across the supply chain, and collaborating with existing membership bodies who understand the specific requirements of their members.
Working collaboratively, we relish the chance to work in a different way, interpreting the needs of industry, government, and society. Together, we can collectively drive meaningful change. As co-secretariat with Defra, our role is to support its engagement with the food system, gather evidence and inputs from stakeholders, and support meetings of the advisory board.
Professor Chris Whitty (Chief Medical Officer for England) said:
Getting the right balance of food can contribute to a healthy, enjoyable and fulfilling life; if as a society we get this wrong it leads to health risks. A poor diet increases the risk of serious and long-term diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Adapting our food system so that it is easier for people to eat healthy, balanced diets will have a positive impact on population health.
The members of the Board will be:
Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Defra (Chair)
Professor Chris Whitty (DHSC)
Emily Miles (Defra)
Andrew Selley (Bidcorp UK)
Anna Taylor (Food Foundation)
Ash Amirahmadi (Sofina Foods)
Dalton Philips (Greencore)
Flor Healy (Kerry Foods)
Jillian Moffatt (McCain Foods)
Ravi Gurumurthy (NESTA)
Sam Godfrey (Farmer)
Simon Roberts (Sainsbury's)
Professor Susan Jebb (Oxford University)
Tim Smith (Cranswick)
Secretariat:
Tessa Jones (Defra)
Sarah Bradbury (IGD)
The Board is intended to pool members' collective ideas, influence and effort from across the food system to help set ambition and create the conditions for systems change.
Alongside the Board's work, insights provided by the Food and Drink Sector Council, as well as regular engagement with trade bodies such as the National Farmers Union, Food and Drink Federation, UK Hospitality, and British Retail Consortium will facilitate a clear vision for a comprehensive food strategy. The FSAB is the first step in a wider engagement strategy which will continue to ensure and demonstrate the joined-up and system-wide approach for the food system, including roundtables with key academics, and planned citizen engagement sessions.
Recognising the importance of a more joined-up approach to food policy across Government, a first meeting has been held of a new Ministerial Food Strategy Group, chaired by Defra Secretary of State and including Ministers from Department for Business and Trade, Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Education and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This new Ministerial group will provide clear political leadership to drive forward the food strategy agenda and will complement structures at official level to ensure a joined-up approach.
