Prominent members of the food business join government to advise on national food policy
Top culinary experts will advise on the government’s food policy to restore pride in British food, and take advantage of the nation’s top-tier restaurants, talented chefs, skilled farmers, and mix of cultural and traditional dishes.
The cross-government food strategy wants to ensure 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 has dedicated aims and will work to improve the UK’s food system to:
- provide more easily accessible and affordable healthy food to tackle diet-related ill health
- maintain food security by building resilience in the face of climate shocks and geopolitical changes
- 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 a 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 noted the challenges the food system faces, from unhealthy diets driving skyrocketing obesity rates through food security under pressure from climate change to a supply chain with some farmers struggling to make a profit.
“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,” Zeichner added. “I look forward to chairing these vital discussions and working together to deliver meaningful change.”
Institute of Grocery Distribution CEO Sarah Bradbury welcomed the opportunity to support Defra, and said IGD is relishing the chance to work in a different way, interpreting the needs of industry, government, and society.
“Together, we can collectively drive meaningful change,” Bradbury said. “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)
