Long-awaited national food strategy outlines goals for a more robust and healthy food system
The government has released its long-awaited food strategy for England, pledging to grow fruit and vegetable consumption as part of a major focus on healthy diets.
The strategy – described as a ‘Good Food Cycle’ – lays out 10 priority outcomes required to build a thriving food sector while tackling challenges from rising obesity rates to climate change impacts on production.
It identifies the need to shift to a food system that supports more affordable, healthier and more balanced diets for all, higher in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains and lower in calories, saturated fat, sugar and salt.
It also stresses the need to enable the food sector to “reach its growth potential”, end mass dependency on emergency food parcels, is more resilient and has a smaller environmental footprint.
Goals for a better food system
The ten stated outcomes – which relate primarily to England but have been designed to align with and support outcomes across the UK – are:
Healthier and more affordable food
- An improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales;
- Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options.
Good growth
- Conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer, more transparent supply chains;
- Food sector attracts talent and develops a skilled workforce in every region.
Sustainable and resilient supply
- Food supply is environmentally sustainable with high animal welfare standards, and waste is reduced;
- Trade supports environmentally sustainable growth, upholds British standards and expands export opportunities;
- Resilient domestic production for a secure supply of healthier food;
- Greater preparedness for supply chain shocks, disruption, and impacts of chronic risks.
Vibrant food cultures
- Celebrated and valued UK, regional and local food cultures;
- People are more connected to their local food systems, and have the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily.
Minister for food security Daniel Zeichner – who announced the strategy at Darley Street Market in Bradford as part of the 2025 City of Culture celebrations – said: “Food security is national security – we need a resilient food system that can weather any storm while ensuring families across the country can access affordable, healthy food.
“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.
“This isn’t just about what’s on our plates today, it’s about building a stronger food system for generations to come, supporting economic growth, health and opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.”
The government said the Good Food Cycle would improve access to healthy, affordable food for families and give them the skills and support to cook and eat healthily.
It pointed out that the ten outcomes have been informed by expert advice from departments across government, the Food Strategy Advisory Board, workshops with interested charities and businesses, as well as members of the public from a Citizen Advisory Council.
Industry supportive of goals
Red Tractor CEO Jim Moseley said he is “very supportive” of a comprehensive food strategy for the UK that supports local food systems, domestic production and upholds British standards.
“We would welcome the opportunity to continue to work with the government to understand the role of assurance in delivering the strategy,” he added. “Over the past 25 years, industry-wide efforts to ensure the safety, traceability and standards of production of British food have regained the trust of UK consumers. This new strategy must build on that collective effort by backing British farmers, connecting entire supply chains and making sure standards are not undermined by foreign food imports.”
Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK, said: “As one of the biggest supporters of British produce, we know how important it is to build resilient supply chains that deliver healthy, affordable food for our customers – both now and in the future. We welcome the focus and direction of today’s Good Food Cycle framework and look forward to working together to ensure the security of the UK’s food system”.
What happens next?
Defra stressed that transforming the food system is a long-term project that will require changes from government, industry, civil society and individuals to “deliver a cultural shift in how we value our proud food heritage”. Many of the changes will take time to be delivered at scale, it added, pointing out that a whole-government approach will be required.
