TO BE PUBLISHED November 2024
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This conference will discuss key issues for food policy in England and priorities for the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
It will be a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the future direction of policy and priorities for investment, productivity and sector growth. Delegates will also examine the Government’s plans to implement advertising restrictions of HSFF foods on TV and online, including a 9pm watershed to help to tackle childhood obesity.
Sessions look at policy options for improving the food environment, transparency and standards, and plans for legislation around the restrictions on HFSS and ultra-processed food and the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children set out in the King’s Speech.
Following the Minister for Farming committing to greater certainty and stability for the agricultural sector, delegates will discuss priorities for supporting business confidence and profitability. They will consider approaches to making the ELM schemes work for different types of farming, opportunities for improving infrastructure and energy options on farms, and setting a strategic direction for climate adaptation and tackling emissions.
Further discussion will look at next steps for addressing workforce challenges, options for apprenticeships following government plans for the apprenticeships levy, and developing training and upskilling for the manufacturing and farming industry workforce to equip them in adopting innovation, technological advances and environmentally sustainable practices.
As the Government seeks to establish a new veterinary agreement with the EU, the conference will also be an opportunity to assess priorities for improving the trading environment for businesses. Areas for discussion include options in the short-term for addressing border control and export challenges for businesses, alongside the long-term vision for supporting businesses trading in the EU and accessing opportunities in new markets. Further sessions will consider options for protecting and improving animal health and welfare standards in the UK as part of trade deals, as well as the future for information on food labels and consumer priorities going forward.
We are pleased to be able to include a keynote session with Professor Tim Lang, Emeritus Professor, Food Policy, City St George’s, University of London. Further senior participants are being approached, including in government and regulatory bodies.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those due to attend include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from Defra; DESNZ; DAERA, NI; DBT; CCC; FSA; FSS; HSE; DfE; DHSC; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
