Henry Dimbleby appointed to lead major review of UK food systems

Henry Dimbleby has been appointed to lead the first major review of UK food systems in 75 years with the aim of ensuring it can provide safe, healthy and affordable food, regardless of where people live or how much they earn.

The co-founder of Leon and the Sustainable Restaurant Association has been appointed by environment secretary Michael Gove and will pass on recommendations to form a new National Food Strategy, set to be published next year.

Dimbleby said: "No part of our economy matters more than food. It is vital to life and shapes our sense of identity.

"But there are urgent challenges with which we must grapple. Populations are growing, diet-related conditions are harming the lives of millions, and climate change is altering what our land will yield.

"From farmers in the field to chefs in the kitchen, over the next year I'll be speaking with people from across the food chain to address these challenges and ensure everyone has a say in shaping the future."

The new strategy has been set the targets of delivering systems that enhance the natural environment for future generations, build upon a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector and contribute to economies delivering well-paid jobs.

Gove added "Leaving the EU is a great opportunity for British farmers and food producers. But with an expanding population, the urgent threat of climate change and rising levels of diet-related disease, we face many challenges too.

"That is why the time is right for us to look afresh at our food system to ensure everyone has access to high-quality British food and our environment is protected for future generations.

"I am delighted that Henry Dimbleby will be leading this once-in-a-generation opportunity to cultivate a stronger food system for the future."

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls commented: "With the country's food and hospitality sectors so intimately linked, it is absolutely vital to the ongoing success of hospitality that the food industry is supported.

"Henry has fantastic knowledge of the hospitality sector and understands its relationship with food and the need for a dynamic and supportive food industry.

"We welcome this review of the food industry and what we hope is the beginnings of a fully integrated and joined-up strategy that supports businesses at every step of the way from farm to fork."

Dimbleby previously lead a government review of school dinners.

Leon co-founders to examine school food across the country>>