National Food Security Strategy needed, says think tank

Experts say strategy should include building an environment for research investment which recognises the critical role of the food system to the UK’s health and economy

A national food security strategy that looks at the entire food ecosystem is urgently needed to strengthen UK food security, argues a new report from think tank, Policy Exchange.

The report claims previous food security initiatives focused too narrowly on agriculture and that a new strategy encompassing the whole food ecosystem, including food manufacturing, logistics, wholesale, hospitality and retail, is vital to ensuring the availability and affordability of products.

According to Policy Exchange, investment in Britain’s food and drink manufacturing sector has dropped by 30% since 2019, and they are urging the government to place food security at the centre of industrial strategy and plans for growth, overseen by a Cabinet Committee or Ministerial working group.

Backed by a cross-party group of MPs and peers, the report makes 27 recommendations across areas covering investment, innovation, regulation and international trade. These suggestions include making it easier for food suppliers to modify their inputs during periods of geopolitical disruption and enabling the Food Standards Agency to fast-track approvals for products already approved by trusted countries outside the UK.

The report suggests the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office should make strengthening global food security an increasing focus of the UK’s development spend, and propose a new Food Security Transformation Fund with a focus on technology investment to promote novel solutions that could contribute to food security.

Karen Betts, CEO, The Food and Drink Federation said the report “rightly puts food and drink at the heart of Whitehall policymaking. The UK has a highly sophisticated food system, which supports everyone’s daily lives by providing a wide range of affordable, safe and nutritious food and drink. But we must not take it for granted.”

“Taking the right policy decisions now…will lay the foundations for UK food security into the future.”

The UK produces roughly 60% of its own food, and while the report notes opportunities exist for greater self-sufficiency of sustainably produced domestic food, this would be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, 53% of food and drink manufacturers consider geopolitical and climate-change related events a significant concern for their business with 68% diversifying their supplies, 50% adapting or simplifying supply chains, and 38% investing in product innovation to mitigate risks

Betts added, “Challenges lie ahead which need investment if our food system is to remain secure...Taking the right policy decisions now, weighed across Whitehall departments and as recommended by Policy Exchange, will lay the foundations for UK food security into the future.”

Stephen French, Institute of Food Science and Technology Scientific Policy Director said: “A National Food Security Strategy is essential for the future of the UK food system…Without a coherent strategy, we cannot effectively tackle the multiplicity of challenges and opportunities facing the food system and we agree with the recommendation for a coordinated, aligned, integrated government and a systems-based approach with ministerial oversight.

He added, “An effective national food security strategy will encompass the full breadth of the food system, including building a flourishing environment for research investment which recognises the central importance of the food system to the nation’s health and the UK economy.

“This must be underpinned by a streamlined and progressive regulatory framework which supports the translation of innovation into real-world solutions.”