April 2024
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This conference discussed the future for food policy and the agri-food sector in England.
The discussion took place as attention turns to the next parliament and against the backdrop of ambitions outlined in the 2022 Government Food Strategy white paper, with several proposals having been pushed back or delayed, including around HFSS regulation.
It was an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the way forward for policy, including approaches to addressing cost of living and supply chain issues, and their implications for policy delivery.
Delegates considered strategic options for tackling key issues for food security, food-related public health and sustainable agriculture and food production, as well as support that may be needed for consumers, the agri-food sector and wider stakeholders.
Further sessions looked at priorities for the work of the Food Data Transparency Partnership introduced through the white paper, and addressing key challenges for reporting, collaboration and investment.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Daniel Zeichner MP, Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Julie Pierce, Director of Information and Science, Food Standards Agency; Karen Fisher, Senior Environment and Sustainability Manager, Co-op; Professor Tim Lang, Emeritus Professor of Food Policy, City, University London; and Anna Taylor, Executive Director, The Food Foundation.
Sessions in the agenda included:
- Policy: assessing the current landscape for agriculture and food production in England - issues for the future - alternative approaches going forward
- Sustainable food production: key priorities and challenges - production costs and supply chain challenges - climate resilient produce - land use - food security and domestic production
- Public health:
- promoting healthier consumer choices amidst cost of living challenges - improving the public health environment and tackling obesity
- industry approaches - HFSS regulation - affordability - inequalities and accessibility - food labelling and public information
- Food data and transparency: reporting - investment - priorities for public information
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Defra; FSA; CCC; DESNZ; FSS; EA; DHSC; DfE; POST; CMA; DAERA, NI; DBT; Department for the Economy, NI; FCDO; HM Treasury; Home Office; House of Commons Library; Isle of Man Government; MAC; NAO; OEP; The Scottish Government; VMD; and the Welsh Government; as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.
