The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) will call for a fundamental rethink of how government approaches food policy when its CEO, John Powell, addresses the Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum policy seminar on 6 November.
Speaking at the event, Next steps for food policy in England – implementation, growth, public health, affordability and resilience, John will argue that government must stop treating different parts of the food supply chain as separate entities and instead develop a more coordinated approach to the challenges facing UK food production.
From farming and processing through to retail, food service and consumers, every part of the supply chain is interconnected. Yet policies governing land use, climate change, food security, animal welfare, labour, trade and public health are too often developed independently, creating competing priorities and sometimes conflicting objectives.
John will highlight the need for greater coordination between government departments, regulators and industry, alongside a clearer set of shared priorities focused on public health, resilience, affordability, growth and food security.
He will also question whether existing funding mechanisms are delivering the right outcomes, suggesting that a more targeted approach to investment in resilience could better support food production, climate adaptation, biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.
A further focus will be the importance of helping consumers better understand where their food comes from, how it is produced and the wider challenges involved in maintaining a secure and sustainable domestic food supply.
In anticipation of the discussion, John Powell said: “We need to stop looking at food production, processing and consumption as separate challenges. They are all part of the same system, and the policies we develop must reflect that.
“If we’re serious about food security, affordability and resilience, we need a much more joined-up approach, with clear priorities, coordinated action and investment that delivers measurable results.”
The seminar brings together policymakers and industry stakeholders to examine the next steps for food policy in England, including the challenges of balancing domestic food production, public health, affordability and environmental objectives.
