The article discusses the resurgence of interest in food planning in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to address significant challenges in the food system. It critiques the previous neglect of planning, emphasizing that good planning involves inclusive dialogue for public benefit. Key issues outlined include the need for increased domestic food production, a comprehensive food labor strategy, dietary changes to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods, addressing food inflation amidst the cost of living crisis, and tackling food inequalities. The author argues that systemic changes are necessary for a healthier and more equitable food system, moving away from the neo-liberal disdain for structured planning.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resurgence of Planning Support | Public and political support for planning in the food sector is slowly increasing. | Shift from skepticism about planning to recognition of its necessity in addressing food challenges. | In 10 years, planning will be integral to food policy, ensuring sustainability and public health. | Growing awareness of the urgency to address food-related challenges and health issues. | 4 |
| Food Sovereignty Awareness | Increased recognition of the need for the UK to grow more of its own food. | Transition from reliance on imports to a focus on local food production and sustainability. | The UK may significantly increase its domestic food production, aiming for self-sufficiency. | Geopolitical uncertainties and the desire for food security will drive local production initiatives. | 5 |
| Food Labor System Re-evaluation | The need for a comprehensive food labor plan is becoming evident in the UK. | From reliance on migrant labor to a structured approach addressing labor shortages and rights. | In a decade, the UK may develop a stable food labor system that respects workers’ rights and needs. | Demand for labor in food production highlights the flaws in current labor policies. | 4 |
| Dietary Shift Initiatives | Growing recognition of the need to change diets for better public health outcomes. | From individualistic approaches to a more systemic and supportive strategy for healthy eating. | In 10 years, diet-related health issues may decline due to effective public health strategies and policies. | Rising healthcare costs linked to poor diets will push for systemic dietary changes and regulations. | 4 |
| Awareness of Food Price and Value | Increasing acknowledgment that good food has a higher cost than cheap food. | Shift from the perception of food as a cheap commodity to understanding its true value. | In a decade, the public may prioritize quality food, impacting production and pricing strategies. | Economic pressures and health concerns will drive a reevaluation of food pricing and value. | 4 |
| Focus on Food Inequality | Rising recognition of food inequalities within society. | From a narrow focus on improving food access to a broader understanding of food justice. | The UK may implement policies that address systemic food inequalities and promote equity. | Social justice movements will advocate for equitable food systems and rights. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of public support for planning | The ongoing issue of planning not being prioritized or respected, which affects the implementation of effective food policies. | 4 |
| Geopolitical uncertainty in food supply | The UK’s reliance on food imports poses a risk to food security amidst global uncertainties, necessitating more local food production. | 5 |
| Food labor shortages | The diminishing availability of migrant labor in the food sector leads to a potential crisis in food production and service industries. | 5 |
| Diet-related health crises | The overconsumption of ultra-processed foods leading to serious health issues is a growing concern for public health and healthcare costs. | 5 |
| Cost of living crisis linked to food prices | The rising food prices exacerbating economic inequalities and being sidelined in political discourse is a significant issue. | 4 |
| Food inequalities and social divides | Deepening inequalities in food access and health outcomes between different socio-economic groups threaten public wellbeing. | 5 |
| Resistance to effective food policy changes | Opposition from vested interests hampers the development and adoption of comprehensive food policy reforms, impeding progress. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition of Planning’s Importance | A growing acknowledgment that effective planning is essential in addressing complex food system challenges, moving beyond previous hostility towards planners. | 5 |
| Collaborative Policy Development | An emerging trend towards involving diverse stakeholders in food policy discussions, emphasizing the need for public interest over vested interests. | 5 |
| Sustainable Food Production | A shift in focus towards increasing local food production and reducing reliance on imports, with an emphasis on sustainability and health. | 4 |
| Comprehensive Food Labour Strategy | The realization of the need for a coherent food labour plan that addresses the complexities of food employment and migration policies. | 5 |
| Holistic Diet Change Initiatives | A movement towards comprehensive strategies for changing diets, focusing on reducing ultra-processed foods and promoting healthier options through systemic changes. | 4 |
| Addressing Food Cost and Value Perception | An emerging understanding that good food cannot be equated with cheap food, advocating for a reevaluation of food economics and values. | 5 |
| Focus on Food Inequality | An increasing recognition of food inequalities and the need for policies that genuinely address disparities rather than merely promoting economic mobility. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Food Data Transparency Partnership | An initiative aimed at improving the transparency of food data to support better planning and policy decisions in the food sector. | 4 |
| Agri-food Labour Technology | Technological solutions aimed at addressing labor shortages in the food industry, particularly in agriculture and food service sectors. | 3 |
| Dietary Change Support Systems | Systems designed to facilitate and support shifts towards healthier diets through policy and environmental changes. | 4 |
| Sustainable Food Processing Technologies | Innovations in food processing that focus on reducing carbon footprint and promoting healthier food options. | 5 |
| Food Inequality Measurement Tools | Tools and methodologies to assess and address food inequalities within societies and improve access to healthy food. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Public Support for Planning | Growing recognition of the need for planning in food systems as a response to current challenges. | 4 |
| Food Sovereignty | The necessity for the UK to increase its domestic food production amidst geopolitical uncertainties and food security concerns. | 5 |
| Food Labour Crisis | The urgent need for a comprehensive food labour plan addressing workforce shortages and exploitation in agriculture. | 5 |
| Dietary Changes | The challenge of shifting public diets away from ultra-processed foods to improve health and reduce NHS costs. | 4 |
| Food Pricing and Economic Values | The need to reassess economic values that prioritize cheap food over health and sustainability in food systems. | 4 |
| Food Inequalities | Addressing deep-seated inequalities in food access and health outcomes within society. | 5 |