We should not underestimate the significance of the Government’s Food 2030 strategy launched by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn at this year’s Oxford Farming Conference. The strategy document itself drew a mixed reaction, with critics quick to highlight a lack of new policy ideas or initiatives. But to my mind they are missing the point.

This is the first time in decades that cross-cutting departmental policies within Government have been brought together to recognise the strategic importance of food security, and to support the role of a competitive and productive UK agricultural sector in meeting our future food needs.

The fact that this strategy is embedded across all Government departments is the crucial factor. It is possibly the most significant development in UK food policy since the 1947 Agriculture Act was introduced to tackle post-War food shortages.

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