The Future of Food Policy in the UK: Recipe for Change (Routledge Studies in Food, Society and the Environment)

This book makes a compelling case for the urgent need to develop a new approach to food and farming―one that integrates the principles of food security and sovereignty.

In the face of escalating challenges such as climate change and increasing political instability worldwide, it is essential to rethink food production and future-proof it by prioritising resilience. While food security and sovereignty are widely recognised and debated concepts, this book considers the critical yet often overlooked dimension of food stability as a cornerstone for shaping future food policy. As public interest in sustainable food systems continues to grow, this book provides readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of the food system and offers actionable insights into how consumption patterns can be shifted to foster a more sustainable future. Tracing the journey from farm to fork, the chapters explore key topics such as climate resilience, genetic diversity, supply chains, food resilience, and market competition. With a particular focus on the UK food system, this book examines the implications of the 2025 UK Government Food Strategy for England and its potential to reshape the future of food governance.

This book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to better understand UK food policy and the pathways to achieving a secure, equitable, and sustainable food future.

Honor May Eldridge has worked on sustainable food policy for the past decade in both the USA and the UK. During this time, she has focused on the environmental and social impact of agricultural systems and produced a wealth of reports and briefings for political and civil society audiences. She has worked both in and out of government, including for the Food Standards Agency, Sustainable Food Trust, the Soil Association, and the Center for Food Safety. She is the author of The Avocado Debate (Routledge, 2023) and The Future of Food: Issues and Innovations in the 21st Century and Beyond (2026).