The government has announced a new Food Strategy Advisory Board (FSAB) to promote pride in British cuisine.
Leading figures from across the food sector have joined the board to advise the government on its food strategy.
In a statement announcing the new board, the Department of Food, Environment, and Rural Affairs (Defra) said that British cuisine has often been undervalued, and the availability of affordable and nutritious food should be more widespread.
Defra said the cross-government food strategy will “restore pride in British food by ensuring a food system that backs British food, grows the economy, feeds the nation, nourishes individuals, and protects the planet, now and in the future.”
The FSAB will bring together experts from across the food production industry to advise on a clear vision and framework as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ strategy.
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner will act as chair of the board, which will have its first meeting today (Wednesday, March 26), with initial plans to meet on a monthly basis.
Defra said it had worked closely with the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) in establishing the board. The IGD will also act as a co-secretariat for the meetings.
Chief medical officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said: “Adapting our food system so that it is easier for people to eat healthy, balanced diets will have a positive impact on population health.”
The department said the FSAB is the first step in a wider strategy that will continue to demonstrate its more joined-up and system-wide approach for the food system, including roundtables with key academics and planned citizen engagement sessions.
Minister Zeichner said: “Our food and farming sectors are the corner stone of our national identity and economy.
“We celebrate the great work that farmers, growers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers do across the country that puts delicious food on our tables.”
