The government has unveiled a new board of high-profile industry, government and campaign group figures who will take the reins of its new National Food Strategy.
The group is being billed as instrumental in building a “coalition” between the food industry and ministers. Its aim is to tackle the obesity crisis, increase the nation’s food security and put growth at the heart of government food policies.
Minister for food security and rural affairs Daniel Zeichner will chair the first meeting of the board on Wednesday 26 March.
Among those on the list include England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, the interim DHSC permanent secretary.
Other well-known industry figures on the board include Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts, Greencore chief and former Morrisons CEO Dalton Philips, Bidcorp CEO Andrew Selley, Flor Healy of Kerry Foods, McCain Foods president Jillian Moffatt and Sofina Foods CEO Ash Amirahmadi.
Tim Smith, co-chair of the Food & Drink Sector Council – which some believe may make way for the new body – is on the board as a non executive director of Cranswick, alongside Defra director general for food Emily Miles.
FSA chair and leading obesity professor Susan Jebb is also on the board, as is Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation
Pig industry stalwart Sam Godfrey is the sole farming representative on the group.
The Grocer revealed in February that Defra was recruiting a panel of “industry experts” to oversee the strategy, having advertised for leading figures who could spend “two to three hours a month” overseeing the plans.
It is understood the government will later announce two further boards – one a cross-department group of ministers, another of civil servants from across Defra, the Department of Health and other related departments, who will work on implementing the strategy.
Defra said the purpose of the board was to lead the NFS in developing ideas for action, which would provide more easily accessible and affordable healthy food to tackle diet-related ill health.
It will seek to maintain food security by building resilience in the face of climate shocks and geopolitical changes, and strengthening the supply chain.
It will also aim to reduce the impact of farming and food production on nature, biodiversity and climate, while supporting the sector through that transition.
With the economic backdrop continuing to dominate discussions, ministers say growth will be at the heart of the strategy, with measures drawn up to drive the investment, productivity and innovation that builds resilience, so the largest manufacturing sector can realise its potential.
Defra said it had worked closely with the IGD in establishing the board. The IGD will also act as a co-secretariat for meetings.
Defra said the body was a “neutral convenor, drawing on its charitable status and commitment to public benefit”.
“Our food and farming sectors are the corner stone of our national identity and economy. We celebrate the great work that farmers, growers, processors, manufacturers, distributors and retailers do across the country that puts delicious food on our tables,” said Zeichner.
“However, unhealthy diets are driving skyrocketing obesity rates, food security is under pressure from climate change and the way our supply chain works means some farmers are struggling to make a profit.
“Our cross-government food strategy will make sure our food system can continue to feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, protect the planet, and nourish individuals, now and in the future.
“By bringing together expertise from across the food chain, this new advisory board will help us build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for everyone. I look forward to chairing these vital discussions and working together to deliver meaningful change.”
No comments yet