The UK stands at a critical crossroads for food policy. Rising diet-related ill health, accelerating climate and nature crises, and fragile food supply chains are converging to expose deep structural weaknesses in the food system. Against this backdrop, the Government’s forthcoming Food Strategy represents a rare opportunity: to align health, farming, climate and economic policy around a single, coherent vision for change.
A recent briefing from the a collection of food alliances, including Eating Better, Sustain, LINK, Obesity Health Alliance and the Plant-based Food Alliance, representing more than 160 organisations across health, farming, conservation, food production and social justice—sets out what such a strategy must deliver if it is to meet the Government’s own ambition for a “Good Food Cycle”: a food system that feeds the nation well, supports livelihoods, and protects the environment now and for future generations.
Why legislation matters
At the heart of the Alliances’ proposals is a clear call for primary legislation. A new Food Bill, they argue, is essential to establish binding food system impact targets and long-term policy levers that can survive political cycles and departmental silos. Without legislation, past experience suggests that food policy risks remaining fragmented—spread across health, environment, trade and local government, with no single framework to ensure accountability or coherence.
Putting farming, nature and climate at the core
The report places nature- and climate-friendly farming at the centre of food system reform. It calls for reversing planned cuts to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) budget and for strengthening Environmental Land Management schemes to support farmers in transitioning to agroecological systems with demonstrably higher animal welfare standards.
Alongside this, the Alliances highlight the strategic importance of horticulture. A Sustainable Horticultural Growth Strategy, backed by investment, public procurement and a government-supported renewal programme, could improve nutrition security, create green jobs and reduce reliance on imports, while supporting a shift toward more plant-rich diets.
Investment in local food infrastructure also features prominently. From small-scale abattoirs to food hubs and shorter supply chains, such infrastructure can improve resilience, strengthen local economies and make fresh, nutritious food more accessible and affordable.
Making healthy, sustainable diets the norm
Perhaps the most far-reaching proposals focus on diets. The Alliances urge the Government to fully implement its existing obesity prevention commitments at pace, including restrictions on junk food advertising and reforms to promotions and labelling.
Public sector food is identified as a powerful lever for change. Legally binding standards for schools, hospitals and other public settings could drive demand for healthier, more sustainable food while supporting British farmers and producers. These standards should prioritise fruit and vegetables, increase plant-based and plant-rich meals, and ensure “less and better” meat sourced from high-welfare, sustainable systems.
Transparency is another cornerstone. Mandatory front-of-pack labelling for health and animal welfare, alongside method-of-production labels, would empower consumers and reward higher-standard producers. Fiscal measures, modelled on the success of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, could further incentivise healthier and more sustainable production while generating revenue for public health interventions.
Strong public backing for change
Importantly, the Alliances’ proposals are underpinned by strong public support. Polling shows widespread backing for healthier school food, clearer labelling, support for farmers to restore nature, and levies on companies that profit from unhealthy food. There is also growing openness to reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods, particularly among younger generations .
From vision to delivery
The message from the Food Strategy Alliances is clear and is one that the Food Policy Institute supports: the Food Strategy must move beyond high-level ambition to deliver structural change. That means legislation, sustained investment, policy coherence across government, and a firm commitment to health, sustainability and fairness throughout the food system.
If the Government rises to this challenge, the Food Strategy could mark a genuine turning point—laying the foundations for a food system that truly nourishes people, communities and the planet. If not, the opportunity may be lost for another generation.
