Defra sets out 10-point Food Strategy plan for healthier food and greener supply chain

Defra has published a list of 10 outcomes to be targeted by the food and drink industry under its new Food Strategy.

The outcomes framework, drawn up following top-level conversations between industry leaders, ministers and NGOs on the strategy’s advisory board, includes demands of the industry to make healthy food more affordable and to step up action to tackle the obesity crisis.

Meanwhile, the government has promised to do more to tackle food resilience and invest in the food sector, both domestically and through supporting exports.

The food strategy was announced by environment secretary Steve Reed in November, to tackle “skyrocketing” obesity levels, UK food resilience and supply chain strengthening, while protecting nature and biodiversity.

In a document today it prioritises a list of policies it claims will lead to healthier eating and a “greener” and “more sustainable” supply chain.

The government says the outcomes will align with new mandatory health food sales reporting, which was announced under its 10-year plan for the NHS earlier this month and support the shift from treatment to prevention as part of the Plan for Change.

The outcomes identified are:

1. An improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales 
2. Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options 
3. Conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer, more transparent supply chains 
4. Food sector attracts talent and develops skilled workforce in every region 
5. Food supply is environmentally sustainable with high animal welfare standards, and waste is reduced 
6. Trade supports environmentally sustainable growth, upholds British standards and expands export opportunities 
7. Resilient domestic production for a secure supply of healthier food 
8. Greater preparedness for supply chain shocks, disruption and impacts of chronic risks 
9. Celebrated and valued UK, regional and local food cultures 
10. People are more connected to their local food systems, and have the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily 

In March, Defra named 13 food ‘big hitters’ to form a Food Strategy Advisory Board chaired by minister for food security and rural affairs Daniel Zeichner, including figures such as England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, the interim DHSC permanent secretary.

Well-known industry figures on the board include Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts, Greencore chief and former Morrisons CEO Dalton Philips, Bidcorp CEO Andrew Selley, Flor Healy of Kerry Foods, McCain Foods president Jillian Moffatt and Sofina Foods CEO Ash Amirahmadi.

Tim Smith, co-chair of the Food & Drink Sector Council – which some believe may make way for the new body – is on the board as a non-executive director of Cranswick, alongside Defra director general for food Emily Miles.

Defra said the new plans would sit at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change and stressed that as well as tackling concerns over health, the strategy would be about “putting put more money back in people’s pockets”.

Protection from volatility

The government wanted to build stronger, more resilient food supply chains to protect Britain from potential disruptions and strengthen national security, it 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,” said Zeichner.

“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.”

Andrew Opie, director of food & sustainability at the BRC, said: “Retailers welcome the ambition and direction of the framework. They know customers want more British food, sustainably produced and with clear healthy choices, something we believe this approach can help to deliver.”

Balwinder Dhoot, director of sustainability and growth of the Food & Drink Federation, said: “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.”

 Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, who sits of the FSAB, said: “The Food Strategy is an opportunity to reset the rules governing the food system so we start winning the fight against diet-related disease and unlock progress in delivering our nature and climate targets.

“The wellbeing of citizens must be at the heart of these changes, with food businesses now being encouraged to sell and promote healthier options. This should also be a signal to investors that British food companies making nutritious foods hold the keys to future growth and productivity. Most importantly it holds the promise of getting our children back on track for long, healthy and fruitful lives.”