Gove appoints Leon founder to oversee food system review

Environment secretary Michael Gove has appointed Henry Dimbelby, founder of restaurant chain Leon, to lead the first major review of the UK food system in nearly 75 years.

Dimbelby, who is also part of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, will undertake a “field to fork” review, and highlight changes that may be needed.

The recommendations of the research, will help to form a new National Food Strategy which will published in 2020.

The main focus of the study will look into how the system can ensure safe, healthy, affordable food, whilst also preserving the industry in the wake of Brexit, and meet the sustainability needs.

Industry bodies will offer their expertise to the study, with the National Farmers Union, the Food and Drink Federation and British Nutrition Foundation all supporting it.

Gove said: “Leaving the EU is a great opportunity for British farmers and food producers. But with an expanding population, the urgent threat of climate change and rising levels of diet-related disease, we face many challenges too. That is why the time is right for us to look afresh at our food system to ensure everyone has access to high quality British food and our environment is protected for future generations.”

Dimbelby added: “No part of our economy matters more than food. It is vital to life and shapes our sense of identity. But there are urgent challenges with which we must grapple. Populations are growing, diet-related conditions are harming the lives of millions, and climate change is altering what our land will yield.”