Food security on Government menu
"Farm to fork" experts are to guide the Government on all elements of food supply and security as world demand and prices continue to soar.
The Council of Food Policy Advisers will advise on production, supplies, prices, distribution and consumption. A policy for security and supply will be published later this year.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said that at a time of rising prices and increased global demand, the UK’s food supply could not be taken for granted.
Speaking at a Chatham House event on food security, he said: "Our food supply needs to be reliable and resilient and able to withstand shocks and crises, and we must have a strong, thriving, environmentally-sustainable farming industry in this country that continues to produce a significant proportion of our food."
The Environment Department has not yet announced who will sit on the new council, but Mr Benn said it would draw in expertise from every section of the food system, including retail, production and regulation.
It will report to the National Economic Council set up last week by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to cope with the worsening economic climate, as well as working with the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency.
Copyright © PA Business 2008
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