An integrated approach to policy, with sustainability at its heart, would encourage investment, says Ross Warburton
What a difference a year makes. When members of the Food and Drink Federation sat down at our last annual dinner, the economic storm clouds were gathering on the horizon - and the biggest concern was arguably rocketing food and commodity prices. We gathered again last week and a key talking point over dinner was the continued volatility in commodity, energy and packaging price that dominates the food and drink landscape.
The squeeze on credit caused by the meltdown of the banking sector has also created real problems for our sector - particularly for smaller companies. The weakening of the pound against key currencies such as the euro is creating further headaches. And all these developments are taking place against a backdrop of economic slowdown, falling consumer confidence and increasingly competitive conditions.
Nobody can ignore what is happening. That's why my priority as president of the FDF is ensuring our organisation has a clear focus on how we deliver the best possible value to our member companies.
A key strength of the FDF is its ability to harness the collective efforts of members to make a difference, focusing on our three priority areas of food safety and science, health and wellbeing, and sustainability and competitiveness.
Government should develop policy approaches that build on the power of industry to invest, innovate and understand consumer needs.
To maximise the stretched resources of the food industry and ensure true partnerships are developed, it is critical that policy is underpinned by sound evidence; is practical and realistic; and implemented within a reasonable timeframe.
It is also important that government appreciates that policy should not undermine the long-term vitality of the food chain, from farm to fork.
Our members believe regulatory issues are the biggest single threat to the future competitiveness of this sector. The good news is that government is starting to understand the consequences of imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on industry at a time of severe economic downturn. But more could be done.
We believe Whitehall needs to start 'joining up' our many issues and develop an integrated approach to policymaking that puts our sector's future sustainability at its heart. We also think a clearly articulated government vision for food production in this country would send out a powerful signal to investors that the UK is a good place to invest. Furthermore, we feel positive vibes around our sector will help talented youngsters recognise this is a valued and valuable industry with good long-term career prospects and security.
In return for strategic level support from across government and the right sort of partnerships, I believe our industry will continue to show genuine leadership in the way it responds to society's concerns about big issues such as the health of the nation or the wellbeing of the planet.
It is tough out there, but the food and drink industry will, I believe, come through this recession and maintain its position as the most vibrant and successful part of the UK's manufacturing base.
Ross Warburton is president of the FDF.
What a difference a year makes. When members of the Food and Drink Federation sat down at our last annual dinner, the economic storm clouds were gathering on the horizon - and the biggest concern was arguably rocketing food and commodity prices. We gathered again last week and a key talking point over dinner was the continued volatility in commodity, energy and packaging price that dominates the food and drink landscape.
The squeeze on credit caused by the meltdown of the banking sector has also created real problems for our sector - particularly for smaller companies. The weakening of the pound against key currencies such as the euro is creating further headaches. And all these developments are taking place against a backdrop of economic slowdown, falling consumer confidence and increasingly competitive conditions.
Nobody can ignore what is happening. That's why my priority as president of the FDF is ensuring our organisation has a clear focus on how we deliver the best possible value to our member companies.
A key strength of the FDF is its ability to harness the collective efforts of members to make a difference, focusing on our three priority areas of food safety and science, health and wellbeing, and sustainability and competitiveness.
Government should develop policy approaches that build on the power of industry to invest, innovate and understand consumer needs.
To maximise the stretched resources of the food industry and ensure true partnerships are developed, it is critical that policy is underpinned by sound evidence; is practical and realistic; and implemented within a reasonable timeframe.
It is also important that government appreciates that policy should not undermine the long-term vitality of the food chain, from farm to fork.
Our members believe regulatory issues are the biggest single threat to the future competitiveness of this sector. The good news is that government is starting to understand the consequences of imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on industry at a time of severe economic downturn. But more could be done.
We believe Whitehall needs to start 'joining up' our many issues and develop an integrated approach to policymaking that puts our sector's future sustainability at its heart. We also think a clearly articulated government vision for food production in this country would send out a powerful signal to investors that the UK is a good place to invest. Furthermore, we feel positive vibes around our sector will help talented youngsters recognise this is a valued and valuable industry with good long-term career prospects and security.
In return for strategic level support from across government and the right sort of partnerships, I believe our industry will continue to show genuine leadership in the way it responds to society's concerns about big issues such as the health of the nation or the wellbeing of the planet.
It is tough out there, but the food and drink industry will, I believe, come through this recession and maintain its position as the most vibrant and successful part of the UK's manufacturing base.
Ross Warburton is president of the FDF.
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