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Henry Dimbleby launches vision for National Food Strategy

Henry Dimbleby – co-founder of restaurant chain Leon and of the Sustainable Restaurant Association – has been appointed by Environment Secretary Michael Gove to lead the first major review of the UK food system in nearly 75 years.
Hands holding a tray of organic vegetables including rainbow chard, tomatoes and squashes.

He will investigate the entire food system, from field to fork, and consider what changes are needed to ensure that it:

  • Delivers safe, healthy, affordable food, regardless of where people live or how much they earn;
  • Is robust in the face of future shocks
  • Restores and enhances the natural environment for the next generation;
  • Is built upon a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector;
  • Is a thriving contributor to our urban and rural economies, delivering well paid jobs and supporting innovative producers and manufacturers.
  • Does all of this in an efficient and cost-effective way.
  • His recommendations will result in a trailblazing new National Food Strategy, set to be published in 2020.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:

“Leaving the EU is a great opportunity for British farmers and food producers. But with an expanding population, the urgent threat of climate change and rising levels of diet-related disease, we face many challenges too.

“That is why the time is right for us to look afresh at our food system to ensure everyone has access to high-quality British food and our environment is protected for future generations.

“I am delighted that Henry Dimbleby will be leading this once-in-a-generation opportunity to cultivate a stronger food system for the future.”

Henry Dimbleby said:

"No part of our economy matters more than food. It is vital to life and shapes our sense of identity.

"But there are urgent challenges with which we must grapple. Populations are growing, diet-related conditions are harming the lives of millions, and climate change is altering what our land will yield.

"From farmers in the field to chefs in the kitchen, over the next year I’ll be speaking with people from across the food chain to address these challenges and ensure everyone has a say in shaping the future.”

James Campbell, Garden Organic Chief Executive said:

Here at Garden Organic we welcome this announcement. We are looking forward to taking part in the production of this food strategy, to ensure both organic and home-grown food is acknowledged as an important and sustainable food source for the country."

A formal call for evidence will be held shortly to seek views from all those who have a vested interest in the future of our food.

The National Food Strategy will build on the Government’s flagship Agriculture Bill and Fisheries Bill currently before Parliament, alongside the Industrial Strategy, the Childhood Obesity Strategy and the upcoming Environment Bill which will address the greatest environmental challenges of our age.

More information can be found by visiting www.nationalfoodstrategy.org/