Government announces plans for new food system

By Andrew Heskin, Partner and ARA specialist

The Government have announced the introduction of a new scheme designed to provide a healthier, affordable and sustainable food system.

They hope the scheme will feed the nation, grow the economy and protect the environment.

Essentially, the Government is keen to modernise processes to ensure it is fit for purpose and can meet the needs and demands of the agricultural industry and people across the UK.

The scheme will no doubt impact farmers who will aim to adjust to the new system in place as well as ensure their produce can play its part in feeding people across the country.

What has prompted a change in food system?

According to its policy paper release for the proposed new food system, the Government list several concerns and factors as to why the system is not up to the standards it needs to be.

They cite the current food system in place as a leading factor in the cause several long-term obesity conditions. Currently, obesity-related health conditions cost the NHS an estimated £11.4 billion every year.

Adding further fuel to the fire, 9.6 per cent of children aged between 4 and 5 were living with obesity during the year 2023/24. An alarming statistic that has been a major driving force in the Government’s choice to push ahead with a change in system.

The environmental impact has also been taken into consideration and the current food system is cited as factor in the ongoing concerns. Greenhouse gas emissions from the current system equates for 38 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

It is clear there is a need for change to improve health and environmental prospects. Famers will need to adapt to a new system that ensures the Government’s plans are fulfilled.

What must the new food system deliver?

With a change in system imminent, the Government have outlined ten outcomes that must be achieved to match the Government’s long-term vision and ambition.

The list notes priority factors that must be met including healthier and more environmentally sustainable sales of food products, access for all, develop skills and enhance workforces, produce that meets animal welfare standards and reduction in waste.

It’s a long-term plan for the Government that will take time to implement and with a lot to consider, there is plenty for farmers to understand as the food system takes on a modernised approach.

What is the Government’s vision for the new food system?

As noted above, the Government want a modern food system in place that meets the demands of today’s society.

Through their modernised system, they want a thriving sector that can produce healthier food that feeds nation, can drive the economy forward and boost growth.

In addition to this, they hope a sustained focused on producing healthier quality food will provide long-term health benefits for the people across the country.

It isn’t just citizens across the country the Government is focused on. Their outlined vision also includes improved hopes for the environment.

They hope a modernised food system will reduce the impact of pollution and greenhouse gases while improving nature and ecosystem services. They also believe a new system will improve the overall environmental prospects and be sustainable moving forwards.

When can we expect these changes to come in?

At this stage, it is very difficult to predict when exactly the Government will start implementing changes to the food system, but it will take time and there could a lot of movement in a short space of time.

Given the Government has long-term goals the system must achieve, its important farmers stay on top of the changes and plan ahead.

Unsure about the Government’s plans? Get in touch with our team for advice and support.