November 2024
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This conference discussed key issues for food policy in England and priorities for the new Government.
It was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the future direction of policy and priorities for investment, productivity and sector growth. Delegates also examined the Government’s plans to implement advertising restrictions for HSFF foods on TV and online, including a 9pm watershed to help tackle childhood obesity.
Sessions looked 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. Further discussion considered Lord Darzi’s Independent Investigation of the National Health Service in England, which highlighted how bold action has been lacking on tackling obesity and the need for further regulation of the food industry, as well as wider Government plans to move towards a prevention healthcare model and to introduce free breakfast clubs for primary school children in 2025.
Following the Minister for Farming committing to greater certainty and stability for the agricultural sector, delegates discussed priorities for supporting business confidence and profitability. They considered approaches to making the ELM schemes work for different types of farming, opportunities for improving infrastructure and energy options on farms, setting a strategic direction for climate adaptation and tackling emissions. The role of innovation and precision breeding in food security going forward was also discussed, with new technology to be brought forward under new laws.
Further discussion looked at next steps for addressing workforce challenges, options for apprenticeships following government plans to reform the apprenticeships levy, the Government’s allocation of more seasonal worker visas for 2025, and upskilling and developing training for the manufacturing and farming industry workforce to enable them to adopt innovation, technological advances and environmentally sustainable practices.
As the Government seeks to establish a new veterinary agreement with the EU, the conference was also an opportunity to assess priorities for improving the trading environment for businesses. Areas for discussion included 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 considered 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 have been able to include keynote sessions with: Mhairi Brown, Head, Food Futures, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission; and Professor Tim Lang, Emeritus Professor, Food Policy, City St George’s, University of London.
All delegates were 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 that attended include parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament and officials from Defra; DESNZ; DAERA, NI; DHSC; DBT; CCC; FSA; FSS; HSE; DfE; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
