Over recent years, the food system’s vulnerability to sudden shocks has become increasingly apparent – from pandemic upheavals to conflict-driven price spikes and extreme weather events. These disruptions underscore why transformation cannot wait. This Roadmap comes at a pivotal moment, with the UK government launching a new food strategy process with an aspirational vision for change. The question now is how to turn vision into reality.
Our five key messages
1. Change is coming – let’s shape it, not be shaped by it
The way we produce and consume food in the UK is under mounting pressure – from climate change, global instability and health problems. But with these threats comes a pivotal opportunity: if we act now to shape the future, we can build a fairer, healthier, more secure food system that works better for everyone.
2. We need stronger, more resilient farming and food production
Farmers are on the front line of climate change and economic shocks. We must back them with a clear plan, with long-term financial confidence, transition support and skills development, that enables their businesses to flourish as diets shift – so we can grow more fruit, vegetables and pulses, reduce business over-reliance on livestock, and develop mixed farming systems that bring animals and cropping together. We must help farmers boost productivity and resilience so they are better able to feed us in difficult times, because food security is national security.
3. Smarter land use will benefit the nation
Land is a limited resource, and those who manage it are in a unique position of responsibility to meet the national interests of food production, habitat management, climate change mitigation and producing multiple other public goods. Working with farmers and land managers to collectively plan land use creates a major opportunity to better meet these needs for the nation, while giving farmers the clarity they need for their businesses. This requires government leadership, balancing trade-offs, and fair incentives for farmers and communities.
4. Healthier diets must become the easier option
Eating well shouldn’t be a struggle. We need to make healthy food the easiest option for people. That means changing how food is marketed, sold and priced. As we eat differently, new opportunities will arise for UK farming to grow more of what we need for better health. Healthier diets will also reduce our dependence on imported animal products. A healthier population will mean a less burdened health system, a stronger economy and a fairer society.
5. A better future will take joined-up action
These transformations connect emissions, nature, health and the economy. The changes we propose can bring real everyday benefits: healthier families, resilient farms, secure food supplies and a vibrant countryside. But we need to plan ahead – not muddle through from crisis to crisis. With effective leadership, we can build a food system that’s fairer, fitter and future-ready.
