Security trumps obesity in Britain’s first food strategy

LONDON, June 13 (Reuters) – Britain set out its initial national foodstuff strategy on Monday, targeted on increasing domestic output of some develop to enhance food stability although rejecting a suggestion to tackle weight problems with new taxes on salt and sugar in processed foods.

The government explained Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had strike foods materials and caused rates to spike, underlining the require to improve Britain’s property-grown offer of meals.

The approach will broadly manage the present amount of food items generated domestically, whilst boosting output in some sectors these kinds of as horticulture and seafood, it mentioned.

Farming will get a complete of 270 million pounds ($333 million) of financial commitment in innovation till 2029, it reported.

Primary Minister Boris Johnson said the system would aid farmers and help shield food items provides from upcoming financial shocks.

“Harnessing new systems and innovation, we will grow and consume additional of our individual food – unlocking work opportunities across the country and rising the financial system, which in switch will in the end aid to cut down tension on price ranges,” he reported in a statement.

The system follows an impartial critique by restaurateur Henry Dimbleby last yr, which included a advice for a new tax on salt and sugar to incentivise brands to reduce their use.

The measure was not bundled in the approach. Britain currently taxes sugar in comfortable beverages, a move credited with decreasing the use of the sweetener in drinks.

NO NEW TAXES

Johnson claimed the governing administration did not want to impose new taxes which place up the price tag of food stuff.

“The ideal way to eliminate excess weight think me is to try to eat a lot less,” he said.

Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers Union, said the technique recognised the worth of domestic output “at a time when the war in Ukraine has targeted interest on the great importance and fragility of our world wide foodstuff stability.”

Environmental team Greenpeace Uk, nevertheless, said the govt overlooked the recommendations of its have specialists and unsuccessful to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from meat and dairy sectors which speed up local climate improve.

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Reporting by Paul Sandle and Nigel Hunt Editing by Jan Harve and Frank Jack Daniel

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