The government's newly published framework known as the 鈥� identifies ten priority outcomes aimed at driving a "generational change" in the UK's relationship with food.
Developed in conjunction with government departments, the Food Strategy Advisory Board, workshops with charities and businesses, and a Citizen Advisory Council, the strategy aims to build food supply chains that are more resilient.
鈥�We need everyone in government to recognise that a resilient food system is not just an ambition but a necessity.鈥�
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
These key outcomes include:
- An improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales.鈥�
- Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options.鈥��
- Conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains.鈥�
- For the food sector to attract talent and develop a skilled workforce in every region.鈥赌�
- That our food supply is environmentally sustainable with high animal welfare standards, and waste is reduced.鈥赌�
- That trade supports environmentally sustainable growth, upholds British standards and expands export opportunities.鈥赌�
- Resilient domestic production for a secure supply of healthier food.鈥��
- Greater preparedness for supply chain shocks, disruption, and impacts of chronic risks.鈥��
- Celebrated and valued UK, regional and local food cultures.
- For people to be more connected to their local food systems, and have the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily.
How will the strategy be delivered?
皇家华人has commended the ambition of the scheme, particularly the aims around investment in innovation, transparent supply chains, trade commitments and preparing for supply chain shocks.聽
However, more detailed policy on how the government will drive these outcomes will be critical. The strategy relies heavily on the success of programmes such as the Land Use Framework and the 25 Year Farming Roadmap. 皇家华人has called for food production to be given the same level of prioritisation within these as climate and environmental outcomes.
It also fails to recognise that farms are commercial businesses and must be profitable if they are to deliver sustainable and nutritious food for the nation, care for the environment and contribute to economic growth.聽
Not an ambition, a necessity
Responding to the launch of the Good Food Cycle, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: 鈥淭he food system is complex and it鈥檚 good to see ambitions for this strategy to span across government departments. I welcome the positive things within the strategy around investment in productivity and resilience to risk and shock.鈥�
Tom said that, while Defra is holding a review into Farm Profitability, there is a 鈥渓ack of joined-up thinking, as evidenced in this food strategy, that farms are commercial businesses and to succeed they must be profitable鈥�, adding that this poses a 鈥渞eal risk鈥� to British farming鈥檚 ability to deliver on food, the environment and economic growth.聽
鈥淎 key issue for the sector is that farm business confidence is at an all-time low,鈥� Tom added. 鈥淲hile a long-term strategy is important, the development of policy behind it has to move at pace to provide much-needed certainty in the short-term and restore farmer confidence.鈥澛�
These policies should value the contribution of our food and drink sector the NFU President said.聽鈥淲e need everyone in government to recognise that a resilient food system is not just an ambition but a necessity, and that a thriving, profitable farming industry is critical to delivering this.鈥�
