TO BE PUBLISHED September 2025
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This conference will examine priorities and next steps in improving data and transparency across the UK food system. It will focus on options for developing a more consistent and robust approach to data quality and reporting, as well as implications for stakeholders across the sector.
It will bring together policymakers and stakeholders to discuss implementation of this key element of wider government policy aimed at reforming the food system and supporting sustainability and land use goals - including the development of a new National Food Strategy, alongside the 25-year Farming Roadmap, the Land Use Framework, and the 30by30 biodiversity target.
Organisational capability, innovation and data sharing
Delegates will consider support that may be needed for businesses to contribute to data collection, how primary and secondary metrics can be improved, and key issues for data governance, stewardship and the potential role of data institutions. We expect discussion on how financial and digital barriers facing some organisations, including SMEs, might be addressed in achieving a sector-wide system.
Options for incentives and regulatory mechanisms to encourage uptake will be assessed, including for both large and smaller organisation. The agenda also looks at strategies for use of data to support international alignment and inform decisions on investment in the sector.
Sessions will also discuss the role of improved data collection and innovation in supporting supply chain efficiency, including managing global pressures, regulatory change, climate adaptation efforts and enabling improved collaboration across the sector. We expect discussion to also centre on what is needed to implement digital skills frameworks needed to meet ambitions moving forward, looking at tackling data skills gaps and improving data literacy.
Eco-labelling and consumer communication
We also expect latest thinking on eco-labelling and approaches to developing a standardised approach, examining challenges for implementation, developing an accessible methodology for measuring and reporting, and methods for effective consumer communication to support uptake of sustainable food choices. Strategies for building and maintaining public trust in labelling schemes will also be considered, including clarity and consistency in how novel foods and sustainability credentials are presented.
Transparency as a tool for delivering national food and environment goals
With the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirming commitment to the Food Data Transparency Partnership, the conference will also examine how the FDTP should approach its role in supporting delivery of key aims within the forthcoming National Food Strategy, the 25-year Farming Roadmap, the Land Use Framework and 30by30 biodiversity target.
Sustainability reporting and farm-level data
Strategies for developing a consistent and evidence-based approach to collecting and integrating farm-level data will also be an area for discussion, as called for by Parliamentarians in the APPG on Science and Technology in Agriculture.
Sessions will look at reporting methods and regulation at both company and product level, including the standardisation of carbon capture tools for farm audits.
Best practice for utilising data to evaluate environmental impact will be examined, with the CCC’s Seventh Carbon Budget highlighting the importance of access to high-quality data. Delegates will consider priorities for supporting farmers, including the integration of farm data into accessible datasets and ways to tackle variation within the system.
Further areas for discussion include the way forward for developing infrastructure for sustainability frameworks, and ways to facilitate data sharing, including across borders.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from Defra; DESNZ; DAERA, NI; DfT; FSA; FSS; and The Scottish Government.
