Government appoints food strategy advisory board

The government has named its advisory board of experts from across the food system as it looks to develop its flagship food strategy. 

The cross-government food strategy is aimed at ”restoring 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 government said.

The Food Strategy Advisory Board (FSAB) brings together senior leaders from across the food system, and includes some familiar names, including England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, the Food Foundation’s Anna Taylor, Jillian Moffatt of McCain, Simon Roberts of Sainsbury’s, farmer Sam Godfrey, and Professor Susan Jebb of Oxford University, among others. 

Minister for food security and rural affairs Daniel Zeichner will act as chair, with the first meeting set for Wednesday 26 March. The board will initially meet monthly.

Defra noted that it has worked closely with the IGD in establishing the board, with the grcoery industry body acting 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 government said the food strategy will work to improve the country’s 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 UK food security by building resilience in the face of climate shocks and geopolitical changes, strengthening the supply chain which operates so effectively to keep Britons 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 the strategy using the government’s Growth Mission to drive the investment, productivity and innovation that builds resilience, so that the UK’s largest manufacturing sector can realise its potential for economic growth.

Building a more resilient food system

Zeichner said: “Our food and farming sectors are the cornerstone 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.”

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, Defra said.

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. 

Strategy ‘must prioritise growth’

The NFU welcomed the establishment of the FSAB and its mission of growing the food industry, but said for this to be successful it is vital the right policy framework for the farm businesses producing the raw materials is in place.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “The primary focus of the new food strategy and the advisory board needs to be economic growth. Without that, businesses the length of the supply chain, including farms, will be unable to focus on the other themes outlined for the strategy.

“Right now, the challenges facing primary producers are severe. Farmers and growers are grappling with inheritance tax bills that many will be unable to pay, uncertainty over environmental schemes, drastic cuts to direct payments, and rising National Insurance costs.

“Without profitable farming businesses it will be difficult for the strategy to realise its other goals of maintaining food security, boosting environmental delivery and securing the supply of healthy produce. The NFU’s recently launched Blueprints for Growth provides key policy solutions that will support these missions.

“Ministers say they want to restore pride in British food. I am more interested in restoring confidence in British food production. Our Blueprints for Growth set out a clear vision for building sustainable, profitable farm businesses – ensuring food production for 70 million people, protecting the countryside, and helping ministers achieve their policy goals. It’s a win-win.

“I know that the board’s farmer representative, Sam Godfrey, will bring his valuable experience of representing the sector previously and will offer essential firsthand insight into the realities of farming in these uncertain times.

“Alongside the valuable discussions that will happen on the advisory board, the NFU will be engaging directly with government and through its longstanding involvement in the F4 group alongside the other key supply chain trade bodies. We look forward to engaging with the food strategy to drive meaningful progress and build back growth in the industry.”