Part One - National Food Strategy

Read Part One

Part One of the two-part National Food Strategy contains urgent recommendations to support this country through the turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to prepare for the end of the EU exit transition period on 31 December 2020.

It focuses on making sure a generation of our most disadvantaged children do not get left behind, and grasping the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to decide what kind of trading nation we want to be.

The food system in data

The National Food Strategy draws on a wide range of evidence. We are committed to being open in our use of data, and have reproduced all the data visualisations and corresponding sources used in Part One in an interactive format below.

Review of food policy innovation

The National Food Strategy commissioned Corinna Hawkes and Stephanie Walton from City, University of London to do a systematic review of food policy innovation across relevant countries to inform the development of the strategy. The report draws on evidence collected before the COVID-19 pandemic and forms part of the evidence base for Part One and Part Two of the strategy.

Feedback on Part One

“The coronavirus pandemic has reminded us all of the vital role our food system plays in our daily lives.

“With the growing pressures of climate change, biodiversity loss and the need for healthy affordable food, this key review will tackle issues of the utmost importance to us all.

“The National Food Strategy is an opportunity for us to shape what food means to us as a society, and I look forward to working closely with Henry Dimbleby as we strive to build a robust food system fit for the future.”

"As well as keeping us alive and healthy, food plays a central role in our culture and our national life. The threats from climate change, loss of biodiversity and the need to deliver safe and affordable food gives rise to new challenges we must address.

As we leave the EU and seek to capitalise on the opportunities this can provide for the UK’s farmers and food producers, we have the chance to reshape our food system from farm to fork to ensure it is ready to deal with these 21st century pressures.

So I am delighted to launch this call for evidence to build on the excellent work Henry Dimbleby has already done on this important review. We should not underplay the importance of the food we eat for our environment, our health and our society, and I encourage people to share their views on the way ahead."