Members of the food industry will join with Government to advise on a national food strategy, with Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner MP acting as chair.

The cross-Government food strategy will aim to restore 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 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 will initially meet monthly.

Defra has worked 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”.

In its statement, Defra notes the food strategy will work to improve the UK 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 food security by building resilience in the face of climate shocks and geopolitical changes, strengthening the supply chain which operates to keep the UK 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 its strategy using its 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.

Board members to discuss food security

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)

Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, stated: “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.”

Sarah Bradbury, CEO of the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), said: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to support Defra, working alongside and uniting stakeholders from across the supply chain, and collaborating with existing membership bodies who understand the specific requirements of their members.

“Working collaboratively, we relish the chance to work in a different way, interpreting the needs of industry, Government, and society. Together, we can collectively drive meaningful change. 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.”

Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s, commented: “Building a resilient UK food system is our shared responsibility. One that requires real partnership, collaboration and long-term commitment from everyone involved. As CEO of Sainsbury’s and president of the IGD, I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to good food now and for generations to come.

“I look forward to supporting this important work and to working cross sector and cross Government to build a compelling national food strategy that results in meaningful progress and positive change. Through bringing together policymakers, the food industry, and experts, we can start building towards a UK food system that delivers economic growth, improves health outcomes, protects our natural environment, and delivers lasting social good.”