MINISTERIAL SUMMIT ON FOOD SUSTAINABILITY
Global challenges of population growth towards 9bn in 2050 and climate change highlight the need to develop sustainable food policies fit for the longer term. The Ministers responsible for food sustainability from the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government and Northern Ireland Executive met in Edinburgh today to consider these challenges and opportunities for working together to address emerging issues.
The meeting, hosted by Scottish Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Lochhead, reflected the importance of food and drink, not just in economic terms but also through their contribution to healthy individuals and communities. The outcome of the meeting reflected that that whilst there are some differences in industry structures, priorities and delivery arrangements there are also a number areas of common interest. The meeting discussed the developing thinking and focussed on sharing best practice from current and developing initiatives. In particular, the meeting identified opportunities for co-operative working in assessing food security issues and considering opportunities for collaborative research.
The outcome of the meeting will feed into the ongoing development and implementation of food and drink policies across each administration. Ministers agreed that given the usefulness of this meeting that the dialogue should be maintained and a similar event at Ministerial level will be held later in the year.