Food security, natural resource scarcity and climate change are among the most pressing issues of our time: we can’t just leave them for future generations to deal with.

In just 13 years, the world will have to feed another billion mouths. That means by 2030 we will need at least 50% more food (and 45% more energy and 30% more water), without further damaging the environment. Many of the world’s current systems of food production are simply unsustainable. They not only contribute to climate change but put pressure on other natural resources, such as fresh water.

Heads of state, ministers, NGOs and business leaders will meet in three weeks’ time to plot the path to sustainable development at Rio+20. One of the big outcomes hoped for is agreement on developing a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

I strongly believe these goals should focus on the linked issues of food, water and energy - a ‘nexus’ of inter-related issues. We can’t move forward on one front without addressing the other - for instance agriculture uses 70% of available fresh water.

My department has led preparations for Rio+20, working with British business to push for international agreement on SDGs. That’s why this week’s Food and Drink Federation event, Secure and Sustainable Food - the Rio+20 Challenge, is so important. It is an opportunity for leading figures from the industry to discuss how to create a more sustainable food supply. This country’s food and drink suppliers are world leaders in producing more for less, which is why I want to work with them.

This is not just a matter of the government and food industry needing to be more ‘environmentally aware’. The global need for sustainable, resource-efficient agriculture and for efficient food supply, packaging and distribution provides investment opportunities and economic growth.

My Defra colleagues and I are working with the food industry to ensure businesses have the skills to compete and grow to feed a rising population sustainably, as well as exploring ways to cut food waste and making sure we can grow more food in a way that has less impact on the environment.

The FDF’s progress towards its ‘five-fold environmental ambition’ of reducing HGV miles, water usage, emissions, packaging and waste demonstrate the industry’s ability to lead by example. retailers too have a role and through the BRC’s ‘Better Retailing Climate’ are continuing to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Food exports have continued to grow. After breaking through the £10bn barrier during 2010, in 2011 our food and non-alcoholic drink exports totalled £12.1bn.

Defra recently published a plan to encourage more food and drink companies to venture into overseas markets. We’ll do this by getting the right support for the sector at home and abroad.

Global stability and open international markets are vital to the UK’s interests, and especially to our food industry’s future. I hope you will join me and the FDF in making sure this country and this industry is at the forefront of shaping that future.

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