In mid July the Government published a new policy paper (UK GOVERNMENT FOOD STRATEGY FOR ENGLAND), considering the wider UK food system, which sets out some principles for a food strategy.

The paper recognises that the ‘UK’s food sector is the beating heart of our economy - employing over 4.2 million people across every region and nation. It is our largest manufacturing sector, powered by the dedication of our farmers, fishers, producers, and workers who are the custodians of our countryside, coastlines, and culinary heritage. Their work is not only vital to our economy - it is a patriotic service to the nation’. 

The UK Food Valley welcomes the fact that the paper looks at the end-to-end food chain and states that: ‘investing in British food is investing in Britain’, and that ‘with the right leadership, we can become a world leader in sustainable, healthy food production - tackling climate change, boosting resilience, and securing our food future’. 

The UK Food Valley and businesses in Greater Lincolnshire are keen to ensure that the food strategy which emerges from this process recognises that to deliver the aims the policy paper sets out, farmers, food processors and the food distribution system have to have the confidence to invest. 

The last few years have been very challenging for the food industry, with Covid, extreme weather, rapid cost inflation, challenges securing labour and multiple changes to policy, all impacting business confidence.  Despite this the industry has continued to see multiple large investments in the UK Food Valley and believes the area can continue to grow its agrifood industry, as long as policy encourages investment in UK production.

The UK Food Valley looks forward to engaging with government to take this important work forward and would be keen to hear from the industry on the issues which need to be addressed to grow UK food supply.

To read the full policy paper please visit the website here.