Government is set to launch its Food Strategy Advisory Board, which will see industry leaders aim to develop a food strategy that backs British food.
In a statement, Government said 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 26th March. The Board has been established by Defra and the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), and will initially meet monthly.
The food strategy will aim to improve the UK food system to provide more accessible and affordable healthy food, maintain food security by building resilience, reduce the environmental impact of food production and ensure growth by driving investment and productivity.
Members of the Board
The Board consists of:
- 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)
Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said: “Our food and farming sectors are the corner stone 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.”
“This system should ensure that all stakeholders, from farm to consumer, can provide safe, nutritious, and accessible food in a sustainable manner.”
Ash Amirahmadi, Sofina Foods
Ash Amirahmadi, CEO at Sofina Foods, commented: “It is an honour to be invited to advise the Government on the new food strategy. With 35 years of experience in developing supply chains across agri-food businesses, I am eager to offer practical support toward the shared goal of building a thriving UK food system. This system should ensure that all stakeholders, from farm to consumer, can provide safe, nutritious, and accessible food in a sustainable manner.”
Tim J Smith, non-executive chair at Cranswick, said: “For a long time now we’ve had the benefit of a world-class food and drink sector in the UK. We are supported by many thousands of hardworking folks who turn up every day to produce our food.
“As we contemplate how best to feed the nation and facing into unparalleled challenges, it’s going to be our opportunity to find ways to devise a system, fair for all, which produces food that is healthy, sustainable, and affordable. Reports and recommendations might be the start, but we need action to swiftly follow deliberation. Mobilising the established highly competent Food Sector Council to help deliver those plans is just one way to get things done.”
Pig farmer and former National Pig Association board member Sam Godfrey said: “I am looking forward to working with others on the Board. I will bring experience of commercial agriculture to the Board, which is representative of mainstream agricultural production. I hope to ensure a pragmatic approach is taken that accommodates the needs of agriculture within the broader aims of the strategy.”
