Hungry for Change: New Food Strategy Board Aims to Revamp Britain’s Food Future

It's been almost a week since the UK government’s new Food Strategy Advisory Board (FSAB) convened for its inaugural meeting at Westminster on 26 March.

Image: Defra

Chaired by Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner, the board comprises 13 industry leaders—among them prominent CEOs, environmental advocates, and health experts including Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty. Together, they have been tasked with reshaping Britain’s food system to ensure affordability, resilience, and better public health outcomes.

An Ambitious Agenda

In its first session, the FSAB discussed the need to tackle obesity and other diet-related issues, while simultaneously boosting economic growth. Minister Zeichner reiterated the group’s determination to strike a careful balance between robust public health measures and the commercial viability of food businesses. “Our food strategy must benefit everyone,” he said, “from local farmers and major retailers to the families choosing what goes on the dinner table.”

Guarding Against Volatile Forces

A core objective of the board is to safeguard Britain’s food supply against climate shocks and geopolitical upheaval. This includes reducing the environmental footprint of food production, an especially pressing concern as the nation strives to meet its net-zero goals. By promoting sustainable farming practices and green technologies, officials believe the strategy can strengthen both food security and environmental conservation.

Building on Dimbleby’s Foundations

The FSAB follows in the footsteps of Henry Dimbleby’s 2021 National Food Strategy. However, members emphasised that their approach sets a more explicit focus on economic growth, with aspirations to turn the “junk food cycle” into a “virtuous circle” of nutritious, profitable offerings. While many applaud this renewed momentum, some stakeholders have voiced fears that the board could favour heavy-handed regulation. Concerns have also been raised regarding whether smaller producers and independent businesses have enough representation on the panel.

Industry and Farmers Weigh In

Farmers’ groups, notably the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), have broadly welcomed the government’s efforts, highlighting that financial stability for farmers underpins the entire system. In a statement, the NFU cautioned that “long-term success hinges on ensuring producers are not left behind. We need fair pricing and clear, achievable sustainability goals so we can continue to feed the nation.”

At the same time, critics warn that any policy mix leaning too far towards intervention might risk hampering innovation and market competitiveness. “The board’s challenge is to deliver real change without stifling enterprise,” one industry observer remarked.

What’s Next for the FSAB

The Food Strategy Advisory Board will meet monthly, with the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) serving as co-secretariat. In the coming weeks, the group plans to explore practical ways to improve access to healthy food in low-income areas, tackle food waste, and strengthen the UK’s supply chain resilience.

As 1 April brings the promise of a new financial year, the FSAB has made it clear that turning recommendations into workable policies will be the ultimate measure of success. It now remains to be seen whether this drive for greater affordability, nutrition, and sustainability can unite diverse stakeholders under a single, forward-looking vision for Britain’s food future.