Strong partnerships create meaningful change

It seems that both the good weather and Parliament have returned! We even managed to get a bit of sun in time for yesterday's FDF's Summer Reception, where our new Minister of State, Daniel Zeichner, assured his buzzing crowd: "Our government is ready to partner with you."

There is something in the air and it smells like meaningful change. It is still early days, of course, but the commitments we are hearing out of our new Government are reassuringly positive. Industry is more than ready to support them in leading the change on food.

From delivering on food security – rightfully concluded as national security in their Manifesto – to mitigating trade barriers with a UK-EU SPS Agreement, Labour has campaigned as the pro-business choice for Britain. Even yesterday Minister Zeichner committed to "promoting an efficient and effective supply chain" by "reducing burden and fostering a pro-business climate." How that manifests in terms of tackling the challenges that have defined this era of British food production remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the Values underpinning British poultry meat production, highlighted in BPC’s ‘2024 and Beyond ,' plus a mission-driven Government speaking of hope, perseverance, and a promise of change for the better, means the potential for strong partnerships are there. The question is...can we remember how to build them??

We all know there are no easy fixes. Tackling the business-critical issues that have defined this era of British poultry meat must be with the view of setting out the UK’s vision for food, its place in society and ambitions for a sustainable system with food security at its core. We know Government can’t do that on their own. We hope Government know businesses can’t do it on their own either. At a time where we are seeing skills shortages across the board, business confidence on the floor, and the cost of living forcing everyone to pay more attention to our limitations rather than our abilities and horizons, positive collaboration is going to be essential.

If there is trust and shared ambitions, forging new partnerships and enhancing existing ones is not only possible but the catalyst for progress. That is why reading ‘food security is national security’ is so exciting. If we can take that vision and apply it to the purpose of BPC members – businesses that are feeding people, tackling inequalities with safe and affordable food, and reducing inputs and impacts to promote a liveable climate for all – together, Government and industry can establish a new context, with food security at its core, for British food to thrive.

Safe, affordable, nutritious poultry is half the meat the nation eats. We deliver for all people so we can all deliver for the planet. Our industry is one people trust and value and, yesterday, it was made clear our new Minister recognises that, sees the vital role we play, and understands a commitment to British food is one that feeds into the broader fabric of British society.

The challenges are significant, but so is the potential - meaningful change underpinned by shared values and strong partnerships. We look forward to helping Minister Zeichner fulfil his commitments to "reduce burden and foster a pro-business climate" - and if "Government is ready to partner with" us, then we by all means are ready too.

Kerry Maxwell