UK government identifies 10 priority outcomes to deliver a resilient food system

The UK government has defined ten priority outcomes to reach its goal of a achieving a more resilient, sustainable, economical, and healthy food system.

In producing an outline of its new food strategy, which it calls the “good food cycle”, a 5,000-word policy paper explains how government will transform the food system via a long-term project requiring changes at a number of levels including from government, industry, civil society and individuals.

Many of the changes will take time to be delivered at scale, and the government has tasked itself to “set a clear direction and stick to it”.

“Given the breadth and complexity of the food system, delivering the priority outcomes will require a whole of government approach to ensure that the drivers, incentives and feedback loops are aligned to move the system in the right direction,” it wrote in the policy document. “It will require a more coordinated and joined up approach to the broad range of policy areas that impact on food within UK government, between UK and devolved governments, and between UK and local governments.   

To address the problems with the current system – from the junk food cycle to food insecurity – the 10 priority outcomes include:

• An improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales   
• Food supply is environmentally sustainable with high animal welfare standards, and waste is reduced
• 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  
• People are more connected to their local food systems, and have the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily

The government stressed it wants to improve the conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investing in innovation, and productivity, and fairer, more transparent supply chains.

Innovation and adoption of technology (including agri-tech) across the supply chain will play a significant role in driving growth.

The government also wants to  use the UK’s research and development base for innovation and scale up new markets including alternative proteins. Innovation and technology is also singled to help support businesses to make data-driven decisions that allow them to deliver environmental, health and resilience benefits competitively.

Additionally, solving workforce issues, including improving health and safety outcomes within the sector, is key to sustainable food sector growth.

The “vision” has been shaped by over 400 voices from across the food system while the transformation will be led by the people who know the system best – farmers, fishers, producers, and workers.

“We will continue to listen, learn and act through the Citizen Advisory Council, the Food Strategy Advisory Board, and our work with UK Hospitality, National Farmers Union, British Retail Consortium, and Food and Drink Federation, reflecting our deep engagement across the sector,” Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner, said in his foreword to the strategy.

“This is the start of a proudly patriotic campaign. We want everyone to enjoy healthy, delicious British food. We want to support our food workers, grow the economy, and build a fairer future. By creating a better food system, we can make sure everyone benefits from and celebrates the best of British food.”