Industry looks at 25-year plan for sector’s future

The industry-led 25-year plan will up the country’s ambitions for food and farming, setting out how we can grow more, buy more and sell more British food.

Defra wants to be involved in discussing ways to promote a British brand, grow exports, improve skills, attract high-flyers and harness data and technology so that the industry can innovate and create jobs.

Speaking ahead of the event, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “We are hugely ambitious for the future of food and farming and its potential to drive growth– that’s why we are bringing together industry to set out a vision for the future with a long-term plan to grow more, buy more and sell more British food.”

Defra will work with industry around seven key themes:

Strengthening the British brand to ensure that our quality produce is celebrated both at home and abroad.

Increasing exports to ensure that British products are enjoyed by even more countries across the world.

Breaking down barriers to trade that will enable budding food entrepreneurs to unleash their full potential and access new markets.

Increasing procurement of British produce including in schools and hospitals.

Attracting investment into the industry.

Boosting skills and apprenticeships.

Increasing productivity through innovation, research and development and sharing data.