Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum

This conference examined priorities for food safety in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, looking at next steps for policy, regulation, industry action and international relationships.

It was a timely opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to assess approaches to food safety policy, with possible structural changes in the oversight of food safety regulatory bodies in the UK.

The discussion took place with increased concern over the potential for food fraud and sale of unsafe food in the UK post-Brexit.

Delegates considered priorities for ensuring food safety against the backdrop of heightened pressures, including costs for consumers, the food industry and local authorities, as well as the expected introduction of the Border Target Operating Model by the UK and devolved governments, starting with health certification in January 2024.

Further sessions examined options for regulation going forward.

Delegates considered the potential to move away from present EU models of regulating safety and standards of food products and intelligence sharing, and shifting from a hazard-based to a risk-based approach.

It was also an opportunity to examine proposed policy updates following the FSA consultation for a modernised food hygiene delivery model.

Issues for discussion included disparities in food hygiene practice between England and devolved administrations, support required by local authorities and businesses for implementation, as well as consumer priorities and stakeholder engagement with these models.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy, Food Standards Agency; Professor Alan Boobis, Emeritus Professor of Toxicology, Imperial College London; and Chair of the Committee on Toxicity; and Kate Halliwell, Chief Scientific Officer, Food and Drink Federation.

Sessions in the agenda included:

• UK food safety: priorities for the FSA
• the food sector: key issues for the role of the sector in maintaining the safety and quality of food in the UK
• challenges for food hygiene and standards: cost pressures for consumers and industry - differing approaches to hygiene ratings - post-Brexit bureaucracy - resource and enforcement capabilities
• food fraud: scale and trends - emerging risks - international agreements and intelligence sharing - priorities for border controls and surveillance
• regulation: options for the UK going forward - latest thinking on a move from a hazard-based to a risk-based approach
• food safety and integrity: priorities for ensuring standards in the UK - developing effective strategies for achieving positive health and environmental outcomes
• policy: the future for food standards and safety, and regulatory structures in the UK

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from APHA; DAERA, NI; DAFM, ROI; DBT; Defra; DESNZ; DHSC; DoH, ROI; DWP; FSA; FSS; Home Office; VMD; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.

This conference examined proposals for a more transparent food system following the Government Food Strategy published last year, which announced the launch of the Food Data Transparency Partnership (FDTP).

It was an opportunity to discuss latest developments, next steps and key issues for implementing consistent reporting on environmental sustainability, and voluntary reporting on public health and nutrition, across the food industry.

Delegates discussed priorities for the FDTP and for stakeholders across the supply chain, including issues around metrics, standardisation and data collection, support that may be required, and how data collected can best be used to improve the food system.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Lindsay Roome, Head, Food Data Transparency Partnership, Defra; Sean Povey, Deputy Director, Diet, Obesity and Healthy Behaviours, DHSC; Julie Pierce, Director of Information and Science, Food Standards Agency; and Chris Tyas, Chair, GS1 UK.

With particularly strong interest among government and regulators for this conference, it was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Cabinet Office; CCC; CMA; DAERA, NI; DAFM, ROI; Defra; Department for the Economy, NI; DESNZ; DHSC; DWP; FCDO; FSA; FSS; GLD; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• the Food Data Transparency Partnership: priorities and the role of the FDTP in improving healthiness of food and working to meet net zero targets
• metrics and definitions: establishing metrics which can be implemented effectively by industry and utilised as a basis for future interventions
• standardisation: developing a collaborative approach towards standardised data collection across the supply chain
• consumers: understanding and incorporating consumer priorities when creating guidelines for transparent and understandable food labelling
• stakeholder support: tailored support required for consistent implementation across different sectors, and alignment with current voluntary reporting 
• data use moving forward: how food data will be used and actioned

This conference focused on next steps for animal health and welfare following the publication of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway last year, as well as the priorities moving forward for animal welfare as a public good.

As it took place with the Annual Health and Welfare Review open to all eligible farmers, alongside the announcement of grants being offered as part of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, delegates assessed the outlook for supporting uptake and productivity alongside health and welfare.

It was an opportunity to assess the new standards as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, and how food production can become more resilient and efficient whilst contributing to wider environmental goals.

Delegates also examined government ambitions to create increased market demand for higher standards in this area, and the role of mandatory animal welfare labelling, for which the Government is preparing to consult later this year on new proposals announced in the recent Food Strategy.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Dr Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and Fran Edmunds, Head of Policy within Future Farming, Farm Animal Welfare and Food Labelling, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Overall, the agenda included discussion on:

• animal health and welfare in the UK: the future direction of policy - opportunities for continuous improvement through delivery of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway
• delivering animal health as a public good: engaging and incentivising farmers to improve animal welfare - getting the most out of Annual Health and Welfare Reviews - the role of new grants
• regulation: options for enforcement following ambitions to achieve standards higher than baseline
• improving farm standards: infection and disease control - supporting the development of new approaches - connecting with wider policy on AMR and sustainability
• mandatory animal welfare labelling:
  
  • equipping consumers with the information needed to make informed purchases
  • trends and data on public attitudes
  • examining the Government’s approach of moving market demand closer to high standard purchases, and how this could work in practice
  • impacts on production costs
• the future trade deal landscape:
  
  • the impact of pushing for higher standards in domestic produce
  • assessing how animal welfare standards have been approached in deals with Australia and New Zealand

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials from the APHA; DAERA, NI; DBT; Defra; DAFM, Ireland; FSA; FSS; Isle of Man Government; VMD; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as by parliamentary pass-holders from The House of Commons.

This conference discussed priorities for food security in the UK. 

Delegates assessed the way forward for policy, strategy and stakeholder action in order to improve domestic food production and resilience, alongside the maintenance of a robust international food supply.

There was discussion on innovative approaches to underpinning a food-secure future, as well as addressing household food insecurity issues in the context of cost of living challenges.

Key stakeholders and policymakers discussed next steps, drawing on policy developments including:

• the Government Food Strategy - which sets out the future approach to food security, resilience and sustainable food production
• development of a Land Use Framework - expected to be published later this year
• the ongoing Food Security Inquiry - by the EFRA Select Committee, regarding security issues and pressures in the food supply chain
• the first United Kingdom Food Security Report - from Defra, as part of its obligation within the Agriculture Act 2020, with calls for a report to be published more regularly than every three years

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Dr Riaz Bhunnoo, Director, Global Food Security Programme, UKRI; Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission; Sue Davies, Strategic Policy Advisor, Which?; and Anna Taylor, Executive Director, The Food Foundation.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• food market stability: the future balance of domestic and international supply chains in the context of challenges around geopolitical, environmental and international market factors
• managing risk: strategic options for industry and policy - building stable and resilient supply chains - mitigating impacts of climate change on the availability of produce
• industry support: what is needed for primary producers and others in the supply chain to bolster UK food production in the context of rising production and other costs
• land use: next steps for developing approaches to land management that support domestic food security
• gene editing and alternative proteins: research and development priorities - consumer trust and engagement - innovative approaches to domestic food production
• household food insecurity: tackling health inequality - affordability and accessibility of healthy foods - priorities for local authorities - issues around cost of living and public engagement

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the CCC; CCS; CMA; DAERA, NI; Defra; DBT; DESNZ; DHSC; Environment Agency, NI; FCDO; FSA; FSS; GLD; Isle of Man Government; POST; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.

This conference focused on latest developments and next steps for food waste, looking at policy, regulation and industry practice.

Stakeholders and policymakers discussed implications of WRAP’s refreshed Food Waste Reduction Roadmap aimed at accelerating the drive to meet 2030 targets.

It was an opportunity to examine issues around the implementation of weekly, separate food waste collections, including the infrastructure required and contractual challenges, as well as strategies for managing waste, increased demand for treatments such as anaerobic digestion, and building public engagement and awareness.

Delegates assessed the future for food waste reporting, including potential changes to procedure, the range of businesses and materials affected, and issues of cost, impact and enforcement, as Defra reviews responses to their 2022 consultation.

They also considered approaches for improving transparency and accountability, how reporting could work effectively across different sectors, and what a possible legislative and regulatory approach could look like if mandatory reporting were put in place.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Dawn Woodward, Deputy Head Resources and Waste, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Helen Bird, Head of Business Collaboration, WRAP; Benjamin Barnes, Horticulture Consultant, ADAS; and Dr Gulbanu Kaptan, Associate Professor in Behavioural Decision Making, University of Leeds.

Overall, areas for discussion:

• policy and prevention programmes: meeting targets - putting effective programmes in place - progress so far - priorities going forward
• consumer behaviour: public awareness of new schemes - the impact of cost of living challenges - effect of environmental concerns on food waste initiatives
• food waste collections: managing separate collections and treatment - assessing the contractual implications - infrastructure and local waste management strategies required for implementation
• waste management: managing increased food waste - avoiding contamination - the increased use and accessibility of anaerobic digestion treatment plants
• extended producer responsibility: latest thinking on developments in packaging design - supporting food producers in delivering change - issues from increased end-product cost
• agriculture: assessing food waste prevention options - methods for measuring and reporting
• large food companies: improving reporting programmes - accountability and transparency - practicalities of implementation for different sector stakeholders

The discussion brought together stakeholders with key policy officials who attended from the CCC; DAERA, NI; DBT; Defra; DESNZ; Department of Finance, NI; EA; FSA; FSS; FCDO; NIAO; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference focused on the way forward for fisheries management in the UK.

It was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and key policymakers to examine next steps following the recently published Joint Fisheries Statement from Defra and the UK devolved governments, which sets out how the administrations will apply policy aimed at meeting objectives around protecting fish stocks, supporting industry, fisheries management and the environment.

Delegates discussed key issues regarding implementation, including the development of fisheries management plans to incorporate an ecosystem-based approach, tailoring those plans, the way forward for partnerships, and priorities for monitoring progress of outcomes.

We are pleased to have been able to include a case study from the bass fishery management plan, which is one of six frontrunner plans that will inform future development. There were also keynote contributions from Robbie Fisher, Head of Domestic Fisheries Sustainability and Devolution, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Barrie Deas, Chief Executive, National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations; and Kristine Bergan, Counsellor for Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Attendees also looked at priorities for supporting the fishing industry, along with the communities and partners that depend on it, as well as building sustainability and resilience, addressing workforce shortfalls, adapting to climate change, supporting coastal communities, and issues around quotas, competitiveness, trade and exports.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• fisheries management: developing effective and tailored fisheries management plans - partnership working - options for monitoring progress
• sustainability: collaborative approaches across the UK and coastal states - sustainable fishing practices - adaptation to climate change
• industry pressures: taking fisheries management forwards in the context of pressures affecting the sector - rising costs and international conflict - managing the impact of offshore wind
• long-term resilience: addressing workforce shortages and skills gaps - supporting coastal communities and infrastructure - improving preparedness to shocks
• competitiveness: the impact of quota negotiations - building new markets - expanding opportunities for the UK’s seafood export sector

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the CCC; DAERA; Defra; Department for Business and Trade; Department of Finance, NI; DIT; FSA; FSS; HM Treasury; House of Commons Library; Isle of Man Government; Marine Scotland; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as by parliamentary pass-holders from The House of Commons.

This in-person conference examined the way forward for food regulation and standards in the UK, and the evolving role of the regulators.

It was an opportunity to discuss the impact on key stakeholders in the food and drink sector, health and other public services, local government and communities of options for developing the UK’s regulatory approach following Brexit - as well as implications for trade and international relationships.

Delegates assessed priorities for improving the long-term strategic direction for regulation, following the Regulating after EU Exit report from the Public Accounts Committee, as well as priorities for the Government’s approach as reform in the UK’s regulatory system is considered by policymakers.

Attendees examined the proposals for a new food standards delivery model as part of the FSA’s consultation for updating the Food Law Code of Practice in England - with an expected focus on how resources can be improved and utilised to manage food safety risk.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Professor Susan Jebb, Chair, Food Standards Agency; Geoff Ogle, Chief Executive, Food Standards Scotland; and Helen Munday, President, Institute of Food Science & Technology.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders - including those from the food and drinks sector, local government, the legal sector, food science and research, and advocacy groups - to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from CCS; Defra; DHSC; DIT; DAERA, NI; Department of Finance, NI; FCDO; FSA; FSS; GLD; NAO; The Scottish Government Legal Directorate; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.

Sessions in the agenda included:

• UK-wide priorities: key trends and challenges - next steps for safety, monitoring, imported products and resources
• food safety: responding to changing business environments and consumer trends - surveillance and tackling food crime - supporting local delivery of food standards and enforcement
• consumers: priorities for building trust in food regulation and enforcement
• trade: key issues for international deals and partnerships, food standards, and the UK regulatory regime - navigating challenges around delayed import controls
• science: opportunities and challenges for an evidence-based UK food policy and regulatory strategy
• regulation for good: opportunities for public health, children’s nutrition, sustainability, ethics and standards - industry engagement and compliance - supporting a thriving and resilient UK food system 
• next steps: the evolving role of the FSA and the future for food regulation in the UK

This conference was an opportunity to discuss the Government Food Strategy and the pathway for achieving the aim of a healthy, sustainable, and innovative food system.

Delegates examined commitments and measures outlined in the Strategy, including in the areas of:

• support for farmers in uptake of new practices and skills development
• expanding the agri-food workforce
• food transparency and mandatory standard reporting
• development of regulation and trade opportunities
• ensuring safety and quality standards

Taking place against the backdrop of potential changes to food policy with new political leadership in government, and significant inflationary pressures, the conference brought together stakeholders with policy officials who attended from Defra; the Cabinet Office; the CCS; DAERA, NI; DHSC; DIT; Department for the Economy NI; Department of Finance NI; Food Standards Scotland; House of Commons Library; NAO; Northern Ireland Environment Agency; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.

Those attending considered the future direction of policy, and assessed the extent to which the Government’s current and anticipated proposals address strategic challenges, as well as the way forward for implementation, and implications for stakeholders.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Government Food Strategy - key themes and implications - impact on key sectors - implementation priorities - monitoring progress - the potential impact of changes to policy
• stakeholder perspectives - views on the White Paper from key interests, including consumers, health, local Government, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and agriculture
• trade and global markets - animal health and production standards - priorities in a changing geopolitical landscape - the Trade and Agriculture Commission recommendations
• food production - key areas for innovation - sustainability in the food and drink sector - fostering employment - skills development and uptake - priorities for the food sector workforce
• regulation - standards improvement and monitoring - mandatory reporting - procurement and standards transparency - addressing food crime - use of data to increase regulatory effectiveness
• local issues - resilience and food insecurity - the role of local Government and other stakeholders in achieving change - improving school food
• the policy landscape - the Strategy in the context of any change of direction from the Government measures relating to areas such as HFSS, wider aspects of public health and land management
• next steps - improving health and environmental outcomes - priorities for Government and policy-makers going forward - stakeholder roles and responsibilities - support for delivery

This conference focused on the way forward for food and drink labelling in the UK.

It was an opportunity to examine priorities and assess next steps, with new political leadership in government and past indications of a major reassessment of policy relating to food and health.

Overall, sessions in the agenda brought out latest thinking on:

• policy: the landscape for food and drink labelling in the UK - issues for the food and drink industry - priorities for consumers and public health
• key developments: nutritional labels and in-store restrictions - production standards - transparency and traceability - allergy labelling and consumer safety
• out-of-home settings: consumer responses to calorie labelling - impact on the sector - priorities going forward
• innovation: next steps for clarity and transparency - keeping pace with new products and priorities - supporting consumer choice, health, standards, and waste reduction
• the global context: country-of-origin rules - quality and product traceability - environment and animal welfare standards - future trade deals - government policy under the new PM
• international commercial agreements: priorities for trade partnerships - coordination of food and drink standards - prospects for consistent labelling requirements

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Jim Cathcart, Policy Director, UKHospitality; Professor Eleonora Fichera, Deputy Head of Department and Chair in Applied Economics, University of Bath; and Glen Neal, General Manager, Risk Management & Intelligence, Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside parliamentary pass holders from The House of Commons - as well as key policy officials who attended from Defra; DAERA, NI; DHSC; Food Standards Scotland; the Scottish Government Legal Directorate; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference focused on the future for agricultural land use and management in the UK.

Delegates assessed what has been learned from the launch of the first ELM scheme, and the Sustainable Farming Incentive, against the backdrop of the land use policy update announced in the Government Food Strategy, and with a new land use framework scheduled for publication in 2023.

It was an opportunity to discuss the direction of policy under new political leadership - with Defra denying media reports that the Government is considering scrapping Environmental Land Schemes  - alongside wider developments in policy relating to biodiversity, environmental protection and net-zero transition.

Overall, sessions in the agenda included:

• policy - land use and agricultural policy in England - the perspective of devolved administrations - the future direction of UK strategy and policy under new Government leadership 
• ELMs - learning from the pilot projects - evaluating launch and impact - assessing support made available for skills and innovation - priorities for policy amidst changing pressures on agriculture
• implementation - implications of varying policy options - priorities for guidance, funding and access to the schemes - priorities for innovation and new practices - skills and workforce support
• nature restoration and biodiversity protection - the way forward for building a climate-resilient agricultural system

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Jonathan Baker, Head of Programme Policy and Strategy, Future Farming & Countryside Programme, Defra; Professor Janet Dwyer, Member, Food, Farming & Countryside Commission Advisory Group; David Baldock, Senior Fellow, Agriculture and Land Management, Institute for European Environmental Policy; and Edward Vipond, Farms Manager, Troston Farms who will share lessons and progress from experience of the pilot projects so far.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the CCS; Defra; DAERA, NI; Department of Finance NI; Food Standards Scotland; Forestry Commission; Geospatial Commission; Northern Ireland Environment Agency; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.

This conference examined the next steps for developing food and climate policy in the UK.

It discussed priorities for policymakers, the farming, food and drink sectors, and consumers and wider stakeholders in the context of:

• the Government Food Strategy
• issues outlined by the UK’s Third Climate Change Risk Assessment and outcomes from COP26
• the first UK Food Security Report
• the Environment Act
• sectoral initiatives, and government measures aimed at achieving net-zero ambitions including the 2030 Strategic framework for international climate and nature action

Sessions in the agenda looked at:

• climate change adaptation - the current landscape and future outlook
• UK food security - priorities for tackling the impact of climate change on the UK
• challenges for UK farming - what support, systems and partnerships are needed if net-zero ambitions are to be achieved
• enabling the role of agriculture - mitigating the impact of climate change - sustainability alongside productivity - development and implementation of new farming practices - investment and support
• the food and drink industry - the impact of net-zero ambitions - achieving business resilience and maintaining growth - opportunities for collaboration
• decarbonising food and drink - investment - innovation - implementing technology transitions - addressing challenges across the supply chain - measuring progress
• strategic and competitive priorities - sector sustainability - key issues for consumer engagement
• policy - next steps and the way ahead for food and climate policy in the UK

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Victoria Prentis MP, Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair, Adaptation Sub-Committee, Climate Change Committee; Dr Riaz Bhunnoo, Director, Global Food Security Programme; Andrew Clark, Director of Policy, National Farmers Union; Katherine Clifford, Head of Public Affairs, Nestle UK & Ireland; and Emma Piercy, Head of Climate Change and Energy Policy, Food and Drink Federation.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Defra; the Cabinet Office; CCC; Department for the Economy, NI; DAERA, NI; the DIT; Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland; FSA; Food Standards Scotland; POST; Veterinary Policy Research Foundation; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentarian pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.

This conference focused on tackling the current challenges for the UK food supply chain - looking at priorities for policy, what stakeholders need, and the action required to address key issues.

Taking place following the publication of the Government Food Strategy, delegates discussed the ambitions within the strategy around skills and innovative food production, as well as whether the strategy goes far enough to address key challenges in the current context and longer-term.

The agenda also looked at building long-term resilience for agriculture, the food and drink systems - including trade priorities, freight and logistics, the future of UK borders, and opportunities from new technology and innovation.

It was an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss with policymakers what could be done to address factors leading to disruption affecting the supply chain and the latest policy measures at the time. Areas of focus included:

• staffing and logistics
• shortages, costs and other factors affecting equipment, energy and materials
• the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, Brexit and COVID recovery

Delegates examined the impact of the Government’s measures to support the sector and what more should be done, looking at:

• the delay of import controls
• support announced on CO2, and energy provision and fertiliser prices
• the Future of Freight plan
• the EFRA Committee report on Labour shortages in the food and farming sector, the extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Route and the workforce review announced in the Government Food Strategy
• wider measures included in the Government Food Strategy

Further sessions considered key issues and opportunities for strengthening the long-term resilience of the food supply chain, with discussion on the future shape of the UK borders system in the context of the Government’s 2025 UK Border Strategy, as well as the innovation in infrastructure - and technology such as blockchain - that will be needed to support it.

Discussion also looked at key issues for trade, strategies for international and cross-sector collaboration, environmental sustainability, quality and standards, and consumer protection.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Chris Tyas, Chair, GS1 UK; and Michael Bourlakis, Director of Research, Cranfield School of Management.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the CCC; DAERA, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; the DIT; Food Standards Scotland; the Veterinary Policy Research Foundation; and the Scottish Government.

This conference examined latest developments in the novel foods sector in the UK, including CBD products, new sources of protein, and GM crops.

It was a timely opportunity to discuss developments including:

• The Benefits of Brexit report and next steps for reviewing the UK regulatory framework for novel foods
• CBD product applications and the release of preliminary FSA authorisations
• edible insect products safety assessments
• cultivated meat and GM crop research, technology developments and commercialisation

Stakeholders and policymakers discussed options for new approaches to novel food regulation in the UK, along with consumer attitudes, safety and opportunities for innovation. They also considered the role of novel foods in addressing strategic food security challenges.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• the market - key trends - market developments - transition to UK regulation - future role of novel foods & processes in the food system - the trading landscape - challenges to traditional food products
• regulation - FSA regulation and application processes - regulatory system effectiveness - stakeholder priorities - short and long-term regulatory goals
• innovation - priorities for regulatory frameworks - support - collaboration - flexibility - risk assessment
• consumers - attitudes - priorities - perceptions of novel foods - implications for product development and safety assurance
• food security - the role of novel foods and processes - tackling the emerging issues - alleviating future pressures on food supply - contribution to sustainability in the UK food chain - gene editing technology
• key developments - edible insects - cultivated meat - plant-based foods - CBD - GMOs - challenges - opportunities

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Dr Camilla Alexander-White, Chair, The Advisory Committee of Novel Foods and Processes, Food Standards Agency; and Chemical Policy Lead, Royal Society of Chemistry; Paul Tossell, Head of Radiological, GM, Novel Foods and Feed Additives Team, Food Standards Agency; and Professor Martin Warren, Head, Food Innovation and Health Programme, Quadram Institute.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from FSA; Defra; DIT; Food Standards Scotland; DAERA, NI; Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland; POST; and the Welsh Government.