The UK food system sits at the heart of major challenges facing the country: NHS pressures, climate change, food security and the cost of living crisis. It’s responsible for 12% of UK greenhouse gas emissions and £268 billion annually in health-related costs.

In this policy insight, we outline nine policies that could form the core of a transformative national food strategy, updating the recommendations from Henry Dimbleby’s 2021 iteration to reflect recent progress and current political realities.

We explore how to transform the food system through legislation and mandatory reporting, invest in high-value industries like horticulture and alternative proteins, support farmers through land use reform and fairer supply chains and enable the shift to nutritious, affordable, sustainable diets through public procurement and potential fiscal measures.