Call for action on food security
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, called for a global agreement to secure the future of our food last night, in a speech to the Fabian Society. His call for action came as he announced the members of a new Council of Food Policy Advisers, a high-level group who will advise on all aspects of food policy.
In his speech the Secretary of State emphasised the need for a long-term plan to meet the twin challenges of starvation and climate change, stating that ‘as a world, we need to own up to the true scale of the problem’.
He added: ‘By 2050 there will be nine billion of us living on this small and fragile planet. And the question is: do we have the capacity to feed the equivalent of another two Chinas?’
The new food council will provide a forum for discussion of these issues, and will work to ensure our food supply is secure and sustainable. They will advise on issues such as food prices, obesity and health, and the environmental impact of the food industry.
Reporting directly to the Secretary of State, the council will provide experience from across the food chain. Chair Dame Suzi Leather said: ‘I’m looking forward to working with the other members of the council to examine the practical solutions needed to maintain UK and global food security and the long-term sustainability of the food chain.Further information
Page published: 11 December 2008