We are collaborating with a network of partners, including major food producers, retailers, policy organisations, as well as financial institutions that support the food system. Together, we are exploring strategic interventions to ensure the continued safety and security of the UK’s fruit and vegetable supply in an increasingly dynamic and uncertain global landscape.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is a department of His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries and rural communities in the entire United Kingdom. Improving the productivity, sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems plays a pivotal role in delivering Defra’s core objectives to make the UK a world leading food and farming nation, as well as leaving our environment in a better state than we inherited it.
The FSA is an independent, non-ministerial department, established in 2000 following several high-profile outbreaks of foodborne illness. The FSA’s job, set out in law, is to safeguard public health and protect the interests of consumers in relation to food. We work closely with the UK Government and the governments in Wales and Northern Ireland, but we act independently and transparently, led by science and evidence. Our fundamental mission is food you can trust. This mission has remained constant since our previous strategy, published in 2015. However, the food system is evolving and our strategy to deliver this mission needs to reflect and anticipate change.
Founded in the 1960s in Yorkshire, Asda is one of Britain’s leading retailers. Dedicated colleagues serve customers from our network of stores and online services, including supercentres, superstores, supermarkets, Living stores, petrol filling stations and depots across the UK. More than 18 million people shop with Asda every week and 98 per cent of UK homes are served by www.asda.com.
Barfoots is a global farming business, working 1000’s of acres and employing 1000’s of people, striving for advancements in fresh produce excellence. Barfoots’ story began in 1976, when Peter Barfoot, a fifth-generation farmer, started growing a single crop in the unique micro-climate of the Hampshire Basin in the south of England. Today, Barfoots is still a family-owned business but now we grow, process and pack a range of semi-exotic vegetables at farms and facilities around the world. We sustainably grow, prepare and deliver exceptional fresh sweetcorn and speciality vegetables. Our philosophy has not changed since our first farm: Look after the land like you are going to farm forever.
The British Retail Consortium is a trade association for retail businesses in the United Kingdom. Our mission is to make a positive difference to retail, its customers and the community, today and in the future. The BRC is invaluable in bringing retailers together to discuss crucial topics and then lobby the retailer message to government on our behalf.
Gallagher Re is one of the largest global reinsurance brokers, helping clients access the capital they need with strategic solutions built for volatile markets. Gallagher Re specialists collaborate with you to understand your goals. Together, we leverage powerful data and analytics tools to secure the right reinsurance solutions that meet your unique needs.
Lincolnshire Field Products are one of the largest independent growers of brassicas, potatoes and sugar beet in the UK. Their farm land is surrounding Spalding as far as Boston, Wisbech and Sleaford. The Company benefits from the land quality in this area which is predominantly Grade 1 silt. This quality of soil offers high value cropping opportunities with flexibility of working and continuity of quality.
The Green Finance Institute is an independent advisor to governments. We are at the forefront of shaping how finance can be used to facilitate real economy transition, globally. We create the enabling environments and financial solutions needed to accelerate the transition to a net-zero and nature positive economy.