Consumers: Help Secure Britain's Food Future

UK's Secretary of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Hilary Benn recently announced in a press release the Government's food strategy ‘Food 2030' at the Oxford Farming conference. In his address, Mr. Benn highlighted the importance of food security in a country's well being and the world's energy security. He also said that "people power can help bring about a revolution in the way food is produced and sold, and that food businesses, including supermarkets and food manufacturers, would follow consumer demand for food that is local, healthy and has been produced with smaller environmental footprint".

Following the food and energy crisis and the increase in the price of oil in 2008, the goals for 2030 include:

• Farmers producing efficiently, sustainably and safely to high standards of animal welfare, with food production supporting rural communities and contributing to UK and global food security.
• Farmers and fishermen producing more with fewer resources and fewer carbon emissions, with investment in the right skills.
• An innovative, competitive, skilled and resilient food sector, supported by first class scientific research and development, with sustainable supply chains.
• Informed consumers able to choose and afford healthy food, supported by better labeling and information.