Sustainability strategy welcome news for food industry

The head of the UKís food and drink sector skills council has welcomed government proposals to reassess research and skills funding as part of a far-reaching new strategy on food sustainability.

Improve chief executive Jack Matthews was responding to environment minister Hilary Bennís announcement of a major review of the long-term security and sustainability of the UKís food supply, with several draft policy documents published for consultation.

Mr Matthews said: ìThis is a very pro-active step from the government. In the light of booming global population growth and climate change, how we maintain a safe, healthy, abundant and affordable supply of food for everyone is going to be a key political consideration over the next 50 years.

ìI am very encouraged by the scope of the governmentís vision and the implications for the food industry. The consultation documents clearly see a modern, efficient, hi-tech food industry as key to a sustainable future. They talk about increasing technical expertise in the industry in order to drive productivity, and encouraging innovative research and development through targeted funding and better links to higher education. The goal is for the UK to become a global leader in sustainable and secure food, which offers our industry a unique opportunity to expand, develop and improve.î

Mr Matthews added that Improve was currently working with employers on the development of sustainability and business improvement qualifications for the food industry and that he could see plenty of synergies with the governmentís vision.

ìWe are committed to developing qualifications and training programmes that add value to businesses and contribute to securing their long-term viability. We see training in skills related to sustainability, productivity and business improvement as an important part of that, and this autumn we will be launching the first ever qualifications covering these topics designed for and by the food and drink industry. It is an area in which we will continue to develop our offering, and I look forward to expanding it even further in light of the governmentís policies on sustainability.î

The policy papers Food Matters: One Year On, Development of Indicators for a Sustainable Food System - A Consultation, and UK Food Security Assessment can be downloaded at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website, with an opportunity to give your views on the Food 2030interactive forum.

For further information on sustainability and skills in the food industry, go to: