Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Leading food experts join Government food strategy to restore pride in British food, published on 21 March 2025, what steps he plans to take to encourage the economic growth potential of the food and drink manufacturing sector in the forthcoming Food Strategy.

The Food and drink industry is the UK's largest manufacturing sector, with the potential for even greater productivity and growth.

We need a food strategy that is co-designed with the sector to give direction, stability, and clarity on innovation and investment – so that the sector can realise its potential for economic growth. This is why we are working in partnership with the sector, via the Food Strategy Advisory Board and undertaking a first phase of engagements including stakeholders from across food and drink manufacturing sector.

The food strategy will also underpin growth by tackling the drivers of poor health and getting people back into work. We have a critical window of opportunity over the next five years to lay the foundations for changes that will enhance growth and improve productivity in the food sector, and deliver a healthier, more secure, more sustainable food system.