16 July 2025

National Food Strategy – additional analysis

Ali Morpeth, our Food Systems Nutrition and Health Policy Champion, was at the launch of the National Food Strategy (‘Good Food Cycle’) yesterday in Bradford, and has this further analysis/insight for us. Thank you Ali.

For an overview of the NFS and the overall tone, check out this digest or read more about the NFS and a just transition.

🍒What’s your take on the 10 Key Priority Outcomes the government has identified? What’s positive? 

The ten outcomes represent a genuinely comprehensive approach that feels like a departure from previous piecemeal policy-making. What’s particularly encouraging is that “this is the first time the whole of government is aligned on a vision for the food system, putting people and planet at its heart” – this joined-up thinking across health, economy, sustainability and supply is exactly what we’ve been calling for.

The focus on making healthy and sustainable choices the default rather than the exception is positive, as is the emphasis on regional food cultures and community connection. It was notable that the Minister travelled to Bradford yesterday to make the announcement – a city with rich heritage of food culture and part of the wider Yorkshire rural food economy where a large percentage of UK food is grown, produced and sold. The inclusion of fair, transparent supply chains shows they’re thinking beyond just consumer-facing measures.

🫘Was there anything missing?

However, it’s not immediately obvious from this announcement that the more radical policy levers will make it into the implementation plan, such as mandatory targets on healthy sales or significant fiscal policies. Rather the outcomes talk about “conditions for the sector to thrive”.

🥗What was the reaction from others at the Food Strategy launch? 

There was palpable energy in Bradford, with genuine enthusiasm about having a national framework finally in place. The choice of Darley Street Market as the launch venue demonstrated government commitment to celebrating local food culture and community-level initiatives.

Following the event there seems to be optimism around the 10 point plan but questions are being raised about what the comprehensive policy levers that deliver the plan will be, and how soon will they be raised and implemented.

People are pleased to have the framework but acutely aware that delivery within this parliamentary term will require unprecedented coordination across government departments and sustained political commitment.

🍗What’s happening next?

The Minister was clear in the briefing that this is the start, and after summer recess more work will happen to turn the 10 areas of commitment into a plan. This is where the real work begins.

It was great to hear Sarah Bradbury (IGD) talk about the power of convening – the workshops bringing together over 400 representatives from across the food sector to share their views, and the citizen voices from FFCC are also loud and clear. Positively, the Minister said that the government will continue to engage in this way as the next steps are agreed.