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The UK government has launched a new food strategy aimed at transforming the nation's food system, addressing critical issues such as rising obesity rates, food insecurity and environmental sustainability.

The strategy, dubbed the 'Good Food Cycle,' outlines ten priority outcomes designed to foster a healthier, more resilient and economically viable food sector.

Minister of State for Food Security, Daniel Zeichner, highlighted the importance of food security as a matter of national security, stating: "We need a resilient food system that can weather any storm while ensuring families across the country can access affordable, healthy food".

He continued: "The Good Food Cycle represents a major milestone. We are actively defining the outcomes we want from our food system to deliver a whole system change that will help the amazing businesses that feed our nation to grow and thrive, which means more jobs and stronger local economies, while making it easier for families to eat and feel better."

Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the Food Standards Agency, also welcomed the strategy. "We support the outcomes it describes and continue to work closely with other departments in the delivery of the strategy, playing our part to make it easier for consumers to access food that is healthier and more sustainable," she enthused.

The strategy aims to make nutritious options more accessible and affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations, an increasingly pressing issue as food prices have surged in recent years.

The plan identifies obesity-related health issues as a significant burden on the NHS, costing the system over £11 billion annually. With nearly two-thirds of adults in England classified as overweight or living with obesity, the government recognises the necessity of creating an environment that prioritises healthier food choices.

The Good Food Cycle framework highlights several key outcomes, including:

• Improved food environment: Enhancing the availability of healthier and environmentally sustainable food options.

• Access to healthy food: Ensuring all citizens have access to safe, affordable, and appealing food choices.

• Sustainable growth: Creating conditions for the food sector to thrive through innovation and fair supply chains.

The food and drink sector is the UK's largest manufacturing industry, generating £153 billion in gross value added and employing 4.2 million people. The strategy aims to plug a £14 billion productivity gap in food and drink manufacturing through increased digitalisation and innovation, particularly in agri-tech and alternative proteins.

Sarah Bradbury, CEO at IGD, noted the collaborative approach taken in developing the strategy, stating: "Their insights have directly shaped the Good Food Cycle’s ambition to build a food system that works for everyone. A powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration."

The strategy has garnered support from various industry leaders. Andrew Opie, director of food & sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, remarked: "Retailers welcome the ambition and direction of the framework. They know customers want more British food, sustainably produced and with clear healthy choices."

Dalton Philips, CEO of Greencore, described the strategy as "a bold and timely step toward a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system," highlighting the importance of collaboration among industry, government and communities.

Organisations such as the Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe have welcomed the strategy, advocating for targeted investments in alternative proteins to drive economic growth and enhance food security. The strategy acknowledges the potential of plant-based foods and precision fermentation technologies in creating a more sustainable food system.

Linus Pardoe, senior UK policy manager at GFI Europe, commented: “Increasing the take-up of options like plant-based meat, which can provide people with a simple switch to reduce our current overconsumption of processed meat, is an excellent way of making the sustainable and healthy choice the default option for consumers".

“The food strategy represents a unique opportunity to capitalise on the expertise that has been developed in the UK over the last decade, and develop ambitious plans to unlock alternative proteins' potential to deliver food security, drive green growth and create new opportunities for food producers.”

The development of the food strategy involved extensive consultation with over 400 stakeholders from various sectors, including farmers, businesses, and civil society. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the voices of those directly impacted by food policy are heard, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to the strategy's goals.

The strategy also aims to address public concerns regarding food accessibility and clarity. "The Food Strategy is an opportunity to reset the rules governing the food system... Most importantly, it holds the promise of getting our children back on track for long, healthy and fruitful lives," said Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation.

Sue Pritchard, chief executive of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, noted the public's desire for tangible results: "Citizens don’t want to see a strategy gathering dust on a shelf. They want to see healthy food, sustainably produced, easily available to everyone everywhere."

Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation, highlighted the importance of viewing food policy as central to the UK's long-term economic goals: “The food strategy is vitally important as it interlinks with a number of other crucial challenges being faced by the country, including national security and education policy".

He added: "From ensuring resilience in times of supply chain disruption, to delivering nutritious, cost-effective meals in schools, food policy must be viewed as central to the UK’s long-term economic and social wellbeing".

The government acknowledges that transforming the food system is a long-term project requiring coordinated efforts across various sectors. The strategy will be supported by a robust framework of metrics and indicators to measure progress and inform future policy decisions.