‘The strategy we are setting out today will increase the focus on skills in the food sector, and the roles and career pathways available.’
The UK Government has set out plans to increase innovation and use technology to boost food production and back UK farming. The strategy is the response to an independent review of the UK’s food system carried out last year by Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of the food chain Leon.
The strategy sets out a commitment to invest £270 million across farming innovation programmes until 2029. These programmes will be aimed at unlocking technologies to develop sustainable farming techniques leading to increased productivity. In the area of food security, the strategy will look to strengthen the resilience of the supply chain and enhance domestic production to help protect against future economic shocks and crises. There is also a plan to create a new professional body for the farming and agriculture sector to enhance training and develop clear career pathways.
Other outcomes planned under the strategy include incentivising the sector to use surplus heat and carbon dioxide from industrial processes and renewable sources of energy, as well as exploring how to use feed additives that reduce methane emissions from livestock. There will also be a consultation on establishing food waste reporting for businesses over a certain size.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: ‘The strategy we are setting out today will increase the focus on skills in the food sector, and the roles and career pathways available. In particular, we will seek to boost our horticulture industry and ensure the expertise needed to develop the sector here in the UK.’
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