Government has unveiled a new policy paper, detailing its plans to “build a strong food supply chain”.
Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner announced the strategy at Darley Street Market in Bradford, highlighting the paper’s aim to “drive generational change” in the nation’s relationship with food.
Within the policy paper, 10 priority outcomes were identified, with Government stating that they are needed to tackle obesity rates and climate change impacts on food production.
According to Government, key outcomes to create a good food cycle include:
- An improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales
- Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options
- Conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains
Government claimed the policy would “tackle multiple critical challenges at once” while helping to put more money back in people’s pockets. It also stressed the importance of building resilient food supply chains to strengthen national security.
Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “Food security is national security - we need a resilient food system that can weather any storm while ensuring families across the country can access affordable, healthy food.
“The Good Food Cycle represents a major milestone. We are actively defining the outcomes we want from our food system to deliver a whole system change that will help the amazing businesses that feed our nation to grow and thrive, which means more jobs and stronger local economies, while making it easier for families to eat and feel better.
“This isn’t just about what’s on our plates today, it’s about building a stronger food system for generations to come, supporting economic growth, health and opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.”
The 10 outcomes have been informed by advice from departments across Government, the Food Strategy Advisory Board, workshops with interested charities and businesses, as well as members of the public from a Citizen Advisory Council to “ensure everyone stands to benefit” from a nutritious, sustainable and resilient food system, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
The paper reportedly builds on recent Government measures to curb diet-related health problems, such as the reporting of so-called “healthy” food sales in supermarkets.
Industry welcomes the announcement
Tim J Smith CBE, chairman of Cranswick, said: “As we mark the launch of the Good Food Cycle today and as a member of the Food Strategy Advisory Board, I would like to commend the Government for its progress on establishing a set of priorities, which we can all get behind.
“This matters for everyone. Wherever we live, whoever we are, we’re all connected to the food system. Food matters. The pace at which this work has developed has been remarkable, as has the very unusual cross-Government working needed to get us to this point: where our food system is closer to being healthier, more sustainable and affordable and where that system is fair for all.”
Balwinder Dhoot, sustainability and growth director at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), stated: “From the everyday staples found in kitchen cupboards, fridges and freezers, like oats, yogurts, tins of beans and frozen vegetables, to ready meals, confectionary and new healthier snacks, UK food and drink manufacturers help the nation have a balanced and varied diet, amid busy lifestyles.
“We welcome this strategy’s holistic view that considers all of the factors affecting our sector – from creating the right conditions to drive investment in new healthier products, through to removing barriers to trade and ensuring we have the skilled workers we need. We’re pleased to see Government acknowledge the importance of our industry to achieving a resilient, sustainable and healthy food system for the UK and look forward to working together to develop this ambitious Food Strategy.”
Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the Food Standards Agency, said: “We welcome the ambitions set out in the Good Food Cycle today and support the outcomes it describes.
“We continue to work closely with other departments in the delivery of the strategy, playing our part to make it easier for consumers to access food that is healthier and more sustainable.”
Sarah Bradbury, CEO at the Institute of Grocery Distribution, commented: “As co-secretariat of the FSAB, we partnered with the Defra team earlier this year to host multi-stakeholder workshops, engaging over 150 organisations across the agri-food supply chain. Their insights have directly shaped the Good Food Cycle’s ambition to build a food system that works for everyone. A powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration.”
