Public to have their say on the food system of the future
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· Consumers,
businesses, academics and NGOs invited to share ideas to
revolutionise food industry
· Views to
form part of first major review of the nation’s food in nearly 75
years · Food
strategy to set out a vision for the kind of food industry we want
to build for the future British...Request free trial
· Consumers,
businesses, academics and NGOs invited to share
ideas to revolutionise food industry
· Views
to form part of first major review of the nation’s food in nearly
75 years
· Food
strategy to set out a vision for the kind of food industry we
want to build for the future
British shoppers will be able to buy
environmentally friendly, healthy and affordable food under plans
for a radical shake-up of the UK’s food industry.
As one of the first steps, the government is
today launching a call for evidence, giving everyone from
consumers, farmers and food producers, to scientists and
academics, an opportunity to shape how we produce, sell and
consume food in the UK.
Their views will inform the first major review
of the nation’s food system in nearly 75 years, led by
entrepreneur Henry Dimbleby, to ensure the food industry is fit
for the future, supports growth, enhances the environment and is
resilient to the challenges posed by climate change.
The review will look at what is working well
already and the role of new technology to revolutionise our food
supply – from innovations like vertical farming and robotics, to
carbon neutral manufacturing and crops that tackle climate
change. No idea is too big or small to be
considered.
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said:
“As well as keeping us alive and healthy, food
plays a central role in our culture and our national life. The
threats from climate change, loss of biodiversity and the need to
deliver safe and affordable food gives rise to new challenges we
must address.
“As we leave the EU and seek to capitalise on
the opportunities this can provide for the UK’s farmers and food
producers, we have the chance to reshape our food system from
farm to fork to ensure it is ready to deal with these 21st
century pressures.
“So I am delighted to launch this call for
evidence to build on the excellent work Henry Dimbleby has
already done on this important review. We should not underplay
the importance of the food we eat for our environment, our health
and our society, and I encourage people to share their views on
the way ahead.”
Independent Review Lead Henry Dimbleby
said:
“We’re launching the call for evidence today
to gather insights and inspiration to help transform our food
system.
“These could be policies or ideas that make it
easier for us to make more informed decisions about the food we
eat; that make food production more environmentally
sustainable; that help food businesses and communities to
thrive; or that could put our country at the forefront of
innovation in the coming years.
“Whether you are someone who works in a food
business, a farmer, a food processor, an interested citizen –
whoever you are – we want to hear from you. We can’t wait
to read your submissions and hear about your ideas.”
Prue Leith CBE restaurateur, food
writer, cookery campaigner and broadcaster said:
"For too long we have tinkered with food and
food education. But we really need to grasp the nettle and
do something radical. The National Food Strategy is an
opportunity not to be missed, for our generation and for our
children and grandchildren.
“Through this Strategy we have the opportunity
to improve the nation’s health and embrace sustainability and I
urge everyone to engage with it.”
Ian Wright
CBE, Chief Executive Food
and Drink Federation said:
“Today’s announcement signals the serious
commitment from government to the first independent review of the
food and drink sector in over 70 years. We are absolutely
delighted that Defra will be leading this work, with the Food and
Drink Sector Council playing a leading role in shaping the
strategy as it develops.
“Food and drink is part of our critical
national infrastructure. The National Food Strategy will ensure
that UK food and drink remains a vital national asset, and
continues to be one of the UK’s biggest success
stories.
“FDF will be submitting evidence, and we would
encourage everyone up and down the food and drink supply chain to
do the same.”
Minette
Batters, National Farming Union President
said:
“British food is amongst the best, safest and
most affordable in the world and UK farming plays a crucial role
in providing the raw ingredients that form the backbone of our
country’s food system. It’s time we took pride and interest in
our food industry, which is worth over £120 billion to the
national economy and employs 4 million people.
“The NFU is pleased to work with Henry
Dimbleby to continue the development of a food system that
delivers high quality, safe and affordable food for all.”
Professor Judy Buttriss, Director
General of British
Nutrition Foundation said:
“The Call for Evidence to help develop Defra’s
National Food Strategy provides an opportunity to shape a
strategy that looks at food, nutrition and the environment in the
round, through multiple lenses. The opportunity should not be
missed.
“Good nutrition is as much about eating more
of some things as it is about cutting back on others. The
integrated message of variety, balance and nutrient density –
making every calorie count – needs to be reflected in food
production right through to what we teach children in
school.”
Kath
Dalmeny, Chief Executive
of
Sustain said:
“We need a food system that can reliably
provide us with good, health-promoting food, now and for
generations to come. This means averting dangerous climate change
and restoring the natural systems on which we all depend for our
food, water and clean air.
“The whole system must also support decent
livelihoods in farming and fishing, in perpetuity. These are tall
orders, but it is the great task of our generation to tackle
these fundamental issues that will underpin our ability to
sustain human life and pursue social progress. We look forward to
the National Food Strategy spearheading transformative action to
create the social, economic, policy and legislative conditions
for better food, farming and fishing to thrive and accelerate
into the mainstream.”
Iain Ferguson, Industry Co-Chair of
the Food and Drink Sector Council said:
“The National Food Strategy offers a once in a
generation opportunity. We encourage everyone in the
industry to contribute their ideas to help create the sustainable
food system of the future. The Food and Drink Sector Council
will give Henry Dimbleby and the review its full support.”
The review, which was officially launched in
June, will last for a year and consider what changes are needed
to ensure our food industry:
Together these findings will inform the
Government’s trailblazing new National Food Strategy, published
next year.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The Call for Evidence is looking for ideas big
and small from individual citizens, practitioners, businesses,
NGOs, trade federations and any other organisations with an
interest in what we eat and how it reaches our plates.
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