It is a move that was predicted by industry watchers in March this year when the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs announced the establishment of the Food Strategy Advisory Board.
Announcing the launch of the new group, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner said: “The cross-government food strategy will restore pride in British food by ensuring a food system that backs British food, grows the economy, feeds the nation, nourishes individuals, and protects the planet, now and in the future.
“The Food Strategy Advisory Board will bring together senior leaders from across the food system, representing a wealth of experience and expertise to advise on a clear vision and framework for change, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.”
The overlap with the existing Food and Drink Sector Council immediately prompted speculation that the Food and Drink Sector Council’s days were numbered, especially as Zeichner, who is leading the new strategy board was already co-chair of the council.
The Public Sector Catering Alliance, which has been waging a four-year campaign for a place on the council, has already presented its case for its voice to be heard around the table of the new Food Strategy Advisory Board.
Jayne Jones, chair of the Public Sector Catering Alliance commented: "It's disappointing but not surprising to read this announcement today. It's an interesting decision taken by the Government, as the development of the food strategy would, one would think, be a time-limited piece of work whereas the Food and Drink Sector Council was designed to provide more oversight.
"It's interesting to note that despite requests to Defra, the public sector is not an active participant in either group, and so the question still remains as to whether the Government values the voice of caterers in its decision-making around both the development of the food strategy and around the role public food plays in sustainable food systems change in the UK today."