The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has welcomed the establishment of the Food Strategy Advisory Board, but said for this to be successful it is “vital the right policy framework is in place”.
The Board consists of a number of key industry leaders, including Greencore CEO Dalton Philips, Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts, McCain Foods regional president Jillian Moffatt and Bidcorp CEO Andrew Selley.
Greencore CEO Dalton Philips said: “I’m proud to join the Food Strategy Advisory Board and collaborate with leaders across the food system. Together, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen food security, promote healthier choices, and build a more sustainable future – ensuring long-term benefits for consumers, businesses, and the planet.”
Andrew Selley, Bidcorp CEO, commented: “There’s never been a more crucial time to overhaul the way we produce, distribute, and sell food in order to build a fairer food system. Solving the challenges we face will take serious commitment, and a comprehensive food strategy that provides secure, nutritious, and affordable food for our families and future generations.”
The Board will aim to create a cross-Government food strategy to make sure the UK food system can continue to feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, protect the planet, and nourish individuals.
“Without profitable farming businesses it will be difficult for the strategy to realise its other goals of maintaining food security.”
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “The primary focus of the new food strategy and the Advisory Board needs to be economic growth. Without that, businesses the length of the supply chain, including farms, will be unable to focus on the other themes outlined for the strategy. Right now, the challenges facing primary producers are severe. Farmers and growers are grappling with inheritance tax bills that many will be unable to pay, uncertainty over environmental schemes, drastic cuts to direct payments, and rising National Insurance costs.
“Without profitable farming businesses it will be difficult for the strategy to realise its other goals of maintaining food security, boosting environmental delivery and securing the supply of healthy produce. The NFU’s recently launched Blueprints for Growth provides key policy solutions that will support these missions.
“Ministers say they want to restore pride in British food. I am more interested in restoring confidence in British food production. Our Blueprints for Growth set out a clear vision for building sustainable, profitable farm businesses – ensuring food production for 70 million people, protecting the countryside, and helping ministers achieve their policy goals. It’s a win-win.”
Bradshaw continued: “I know that the Board’s farmer representative, Sam Godfrey, will bring his valuable experience of representing the sector previously and will offer essential first-hand insight into the realities of farming in these uncertain times.
“Alongside the valuable discussions that will happen on the Advisory Board, the NFU will be engaging directly with Government and through its longstanding involvement in the F4 group alongside the other key supply chain trade bodies. We look forward to engaging with the food strategy to drive meaningful progress and build back growth in the industry.”
