London (agencies)
Britain is introducing its first national food strategy, focusing on increasing local production, to enhance food security rather than tackling obesity, following rejecting a recommendation to impose taxes on salt and sugar in processed foods. The government said the Russian attack on Ukraine had damaged food supplies and caused prices to rise, which underscores the need for Britain to boost food security.
She added that the plan would maintain on a large scale the current level of locally produced food, while increasing production in some sectors such as agricultural products and seafood. The government said the agriculture sector would receive a total of 270 million pounds ($333 million) in innovation investment through 2029.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the strategy would support farmers and help protect food supplies from future economic shocks.
“By using new technologies and innovation, we will grow and eat more of our food, create jobs across the country, and grow the economy, which in turn will ultimately help reduce pressure on prices,” he said in a statement.
