The first report from the UK’s Council of Food Policy Advisors has recommended that DEFRA develops a strategy for increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables through a 5 A DAY task force, as well as identifying realistic and sustainable opportunities for increasing domestic production of fruit and vegetables.
The council, chaired by Dame Suzi Leather, made its first report to agriculture minister Hilary Benn this week. She said: “This report sets out some of the steps we believe will be helpful in securing our food supply in a changing world.
“This is a huge and complex agenda, and these are just the early issues where we believe an impact could be felt quickly if the right action is taken. We look forward to monitoring progress on these actions, as well as tackling some further challenges that we as a country face.”
Benn received the report warmly. He said: “As we develop a long-term food strategy, I’m looking forward to hearing the council’s views on a wide range of important issues, including how to equip people with the skills to succeed in the food industry and how to deal with food poverty.”
Meanwhile, the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) welcomed the 20-page document, but issued suggestions for further progress. Ceo Nigel Jenney said: “The council clearly recognises the significant challenges we face in UK food supply and the FPC believes that all sectors of the fresh produce industry must play a leading role in developing a sustainable food policy for the UK. We are keen to be involved in the government’s fruit and vegetable task force and to help drive forward this important agenda...
“We believe that there should be the opportunity for adequate returns for all elements of the supply chain which are working efficiently, not just primary producers, as stated in the report. In addition, government investment is essential to ensure that the fresh produce industry is equipped with the necessary resources and skills to meet the challenges of delivering food security.”
The report endorses many of the recommendations from July’s round table discussion attended by representatives from the entire supply chain, including establishing a fruit and vegetable task force, driving 5 A DAY much harder in public procurement and giving further emphasis to the importance of fresh produce in diet in schools.
Phil Hudson, chief horticulture adviser at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), also highlighted that there are some important points that have been recognised for the first time in government circles. He said: “Going back even five years, we would not have seen language like this about ‘ensuring... adequate returns’ to producers for ‘future investment’. This is very, very positive indeed.”
Hudson also believes that the findings in the report endorse the establishment of a grocery ombudsman as soon as possible. He added that the NFU Horticulture Board viewed the report as very welcome. However, there is also a feeling that the document is very much a starting point.
Tom Hind, the NFU’s head of economics and international affairs, said: “Many of the recommendations put forward by the council are very good… But while all these points are welcome, the council also needs to look at tackling the major issue of how we are going to substantially increase the productivity of domestic production...
“The report is a useful starting point for further discussion and development, but any future work and advice on sustainable diets must be evidence-based and must point out and explain the uncertainties and trade-offs inherent in this area.
“It is also important that ministers in each government department engage in the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative... procurers need to be offered practical advice and guidance on how they can procure more domestically produced food.”
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