A new food strategy for the UK

August 14, 2025

Autumn harvest — image: ©Jay Yuno | iStock

The establishment of the UK’s cross-government Food Strategy Advisory Board (FSAB) represents a significant first step towards the government’s vision of creating a more sustainable food system that supports farmers, manufacturers, and, crucially, ensures public access to healthier foods

Earlier this year, the UK Government established the Food Strategy Advisory Board (FSAB) to help develop a new cross-government food strategy aimed at optimising British food systems, enhancing their resilience and sustainability, and promoting public health. The Board, chaired by Daniel Zeichner MP, the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, will consist of government ministers, industry leaders, and experts from various sectors of the food industry. They will initially meet on a monthly basis to provide guidance on a clear vision and framework for change.

Key aims of the food strategy

Provide more easily accessible and affordable healthy food to address diet-related health issues. This approach aims to give children the best start in life and help adults lead longer, healthier lives.
Maintain food security by building resilience against climate shocks and geopolitical changes, enhancing the supply chain that effectively ensures people are fed.
Reduce the environmental impact of farming and food production on nature, biodiversity, and climate, while also supporting the sector through this transition.
Ensure that growth is central to the strategy by leveraging the Growth Mission to drive investment, productivity, and innovation. This will build resilience and enable the largest manufacturing sector to reach its potential for economic growth.

Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Defra) Daniel Zeichner said: “Our food and farming sectors are the cornerstone 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.

“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.”

Defra worked closely with the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) to establish a 14-member Board.

This Board includes representatives from UK supermarkets, food manufacturers, Professor Susan Jebb from Oxford University, and the Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty. The IGD will serve as a co-secretariat for the meetings and act as a neutral facilitator. The purpose of the Board is to bring together the collective ideas, influence, and efforts of its members from across the food system to help set ambitious goals and create the conditions necessary for systemic change.

Future vision for the UK’s food sector

The FSAB is part of the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, which outlines a set of cross-sector milestones the government aims to achieve by the end of the current Parliament. A key element of the strategy is to support access to healthier foods, which Professor Chris Whitty emphasises is key for mitigating diseases associated with poor diets:

“Getting the right balance of food can contribute to a healthy, enjoyable and fulfilling life; if, as a society, we get this wrong, it leads to health risks. A poor diet increases the risk of serious and long-term diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

“Adapting our food system so that it is easier for people to eat healthy, balanced diets will have a positive impact on population health.”

In addition to the Board’s efforts, insights from the Food and Drink Sector Council, as well as regular collaboration with trade organisations such as the National Farmers Union, Food and Drink Federation, UK Hospitality, and the British Retail Consortium, will help create a clear vision for the strategy.

The FSAB represents the first step in a broader engagement strategy that aims to ensure a unified and system-wide approach to the food sector.