The UK has a new food strategy

Can renewed focus on healthy eating boost organics?

On July 15, the UK government published a new policy paper/strategy to point out food policy in the country in the coming years. The full publication can be read here.

In the strategy, the government stresses that it wants to see a food system where more people get access to healthier food, mainly because of the public health problems and overweight linked to food consumption in the country. In general, the government also wants to see increased domestic production, while environmental objectives and other external costs that agriculture causes, should be addressed. The foreword states that:

– Rising obesity, food insecurity, and environmental degradation are not inevitable – they are the result of political choices. This government chooses to act.

One of the organisations that has participated in the elaboration of the new strategy, is Soil Association – trade association and standard owners of organic agricultural and food products in the UK. Soil Association is positive about that the government wants to see increased investments in health, sustainability, biodiversity and animal welfare, which it is estimated to provide benefits for organic. On the other hand, The Soil Association stated they had wished to see further restrictions on ultra-processed food.

– We’re therefore hoping to see the new government act on ultra-processed foods – which make up two-thirds of British diets – via its food strategy.

From a Swedish perspective, we see that there’s a broader focus on ultra processed food in the UK, both among media, businesses and politicians. Hopefully there are possibilities for Swedish organic brands to position themselves as healthy and natural on the British market.