Food & Climate
A new National Food Strategy in UK was announced. The UK Government has set out its strategy for reforming England’s food system, warning that climate change, nature loss and environmental degradation pose a risk to national food security.
It replaces a Food Strategy for England that was set out by the previous Conservative-led administration.
This initial version was criticised by green groups, nutrition experts and chief advisor Henry Dimbleby himself for excluding more than half of key recommendations. These included expanding free school meals access, mandating food waste reporting by supermarkets, and enhancing climate resilience for farms, according to a report seen by “Food & Climate” platform.
The National Food Strategy in UK outlines ten objectives aimed at linking agriculture, trade, health and the environment under a single framework.
Agriculture uses most of lands
Agriculture uses 69% of UK land and relies on natural systems such as soil health, pollination and water regulation.
These ecosystem services are valued at £37bn per year, with a total asset value of £1.3trn, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, 40% of inland water bodies are affected by pollution from farming and rural areas.
The food system, including imports, produces emissions equivalent to 38% of the UK’s total. Agriculture alone accounts for 11.7%. By 2040, it is expected to be one of the country’s main sources of emissions alongside aviation – largely due to anticipated emissions reductions in energy and transport.
With 35% of food imported, the National Food Strategy in UK also notes the environmental impact of UK consumption overseas, and the ways in which dependence on international supply chains can pose food security risks.
A study conducted last year by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) revealed that £8bn worth of food imported into the UK is currently exposed to climate-related risks, adding further strain to national food security.
National Food Strategy in UK has ten objectives
The Government has set out ten priority outcomes in the strategy. It aims to create a food environment that supports healthier and more sustainable choices and improves access to safe, affordable and appealing food for everyone.
It also outlines conditions to support growth in the food sector, including investment in innovation, improved productivity and more transparent supply chains. Developing a skilled workforce in all regions is another core objective.
On production and trade, the strategy focuses on reducing environmental impact, maintaining animal welfare standards, cutting food waste and supporting export growth while protecting UK standards. It also seeks to strengthen domestic food production and improve preparedness for supply chain shocks and long-term risks.
Nonetheless, the recent Trade Strategy, published separately last month, stopped short of introducing a blanket commitment for no renegading on environmental and ethical standards.
The final objectives in the new Food Strategy concern food culture. The Government wants to recognise local and regional food traditions and help people build knowledge and skills to cook and eat well.
It needs long time
The Government acknowledges that delivering these outcomes will take time and will depend on action from government, the public sector, industry, civil society and individuals. Businesses will need time to adapt to new product standards and marketing practices. Ministers say the government will provide a clear direction so that change can be planned and implemented in stages.
The Citizens Advisory Council and National Food Strategy in UK Advisory Board will contribute to the development of implementation plans, and the Government will continue to gather input from across the food system.
The National Food Strategy in UK calls for better coordination across departments and between UK and devolved governments. Progress will depend on alignment with other policy areas, including the Land Use Framework, Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), Food and Farming Decarbonisation Plan, Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, Circular Economy Strategy and Farming Roadmap. Most of these plans are yet to be published, with the exception of the EIP and Farming Roadmap.
It also links to trade policy, child poverty strategy and international climate and development funding.
Improved use of data and support for research are also highlighted. The Government has committed to reducing administrative costs for food businesses by 25% by the end of this Parliament.
Many of the policies that will support the strategy are still being developed, according to “edie“