Building a food system that works for everyone

Article

The global food system is intricately linked to many of the greatest problems facing the world today, from the rise of non-communicable diseases, childhood hunger and food insecurity to environmental degradation, species loss and climate change. Over recent decades, the food system has become increasingly wasteful, processed and environmentally damaging.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the vulnerabilities of the UK food system into sharp relief. the moment in which we find ourselves in, from building new trading relationships post-Brexit to the needs of meeting net zero, presents an unparalleled opportunity to re-orientate our food system towards a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable system of food production and consumption. One way or another change is coming but the question is, what change, in whose interest, and at whose expense?

Everyone, irrespective of social or economic group, should be able to access appropriate healthy and affordable food, produced in ways that support the return of biodiversity to farmed landscapes, removes carbon from the atmosphere, and avoids polluting ecosystems, while providing meaningful and sustainable livelihoods for those working in the agri-food sector.

This report puts forward a series of recommendations for the UK and devolved governments, as well as local authorities, to start addressing the many challenges currently facing the UK food system.

Related items

  1. The Home Office building in London

    A ‘paradigm shift’ in asylum and immigration policy?

    In 2019, a package of asylum reforms known as the ‘paradigm shift’ was passed by a broad party consensus in the Danish parliament.
  2. A wide shot of the debating chamber at the Scottish parliament

    A return north: reflections on IPPR Scotland’s tenth anniversary conference

    There’s nothing like moving away from Scotland to remind you just how Scottish you are. 
  3. Newcastle street view of famous bridge and buildings

    The evolution of devolution: How the English devolution and community empowerment bill can go further

    The government’s early commitment to broadening and deepening devolution in England is very welcome, but the bill must be bold enough to make change that people can see and feel.