The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) welcomes the announcement made yesterday by DEFRA Minister Steve Reed, outlining the Government's plans to work with industry to develop a new UK-wide food strategy in the first half of 2025. This initiative represents a vital step toward addressing the future challenges and opportunities within our food system.
As the UK’s leading professional body for food science and technology, IFST has long advocated for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to food strategy. Our vision emphasises the importance of a truly UK-wide, inclusive framework that supports the resilience, innovation, and sustainability of our food system while ensuring that all citizens have access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food.
Craig Leadley, Chief Executive of IFST, commented:
"We are delighted by this commitment from the Government to develop a new food strategy. The UK’s food system faces unprecedented challenges, from the impacts of climate change to changing consumer demands. A robust, inclusive, and forward-looking strategy is crucial to ensuring a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for the food system that reocgnises the global nature of our food supply and the need to minimise harm. IFST stands ready to contribute our scientific expertise and work collaboratively with all stakeholders as a fully independent voice to help shape this important initiative."
IFST’s previous work on the National Food Strategy highlights three key areas critical to the future of the UK food system:
- The need for a long-term, truly UK-wide food strategy.
- Strategic investment to build a competent, innovative, and resilient food sector rooted in science and technology.
- Empowering citizens with education on healthy, sustainable diets.
We urge the Government to ensure that the food strategy aligns closely with the UK’s Industrial Strategy, fostering innovation and strengthening the economic impact of the food sector.
We look forward to engaging with the Government and other stakeholders to build a strategy that benefits the entire UK food system. For more information on IFST’s vision and recommendations, visit our National Food Strategy webpage.