Defra has announced the developments of its sustainable farming and food programme, one year on from its launch.
Strategy implementation group chair Sir Don Curry believes a more profitable, diverse, competitive and environmentally sensitive farming and food industry is taking shape, but this progress must now transform into real results.
Curry believes that there has been good progress on the Assured Food Standards and the Red Tractor logo. He said: "Over the past year we have established the building blocks to help deliver the policy commission's vision."
Sir Don announced that the food industry has donated about £400,000 to assist English Food and Farming Partnership and Assured Food Standards in their work in helping to improve efficiency throughout the food chain.
Health minister Melanie Johnson also spoke of the role of government, which is aiming to improve health through a better diet and the importance of different government departments working together. Johnson said: "We're looking to improve the quality of food in hospitals and schools. Our programme for free school fruit is well underway. Smaller apples, which may not seem suitable for the marketplace, are ideal for children of infant age, as they are ideal for their smaller appetites. It's necessary for all areas of government to work together on programmes like these. Not only do we find a market for this produce, but children's diets are improving."
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