FDF manifesto outlines five key policies next government should implement
3 May 2017
The Food and Drink Federation has launched its 2017 manifesto, which outlines five key policies it believes the new government should implement after 8 June.
The policies, the trade body said, would help ensure the future success of the food, drink and farming sectors, following the snap general election.
They call on the next government to: secure the best possible Brexit for food and drink; boost sector-specific exports support to help SMEs take advantage of new opportunities; support FDF’s ambition for an industrial strategy sector deal that drives transformational industry growth; work with FDF skills for a global UK; and work in partnership with industry to tackle obesity.
FDF director general Ian Wright said food was a matter of “national security”. He said it was “imperative” the new government recognised this, and understood the importance of the food and drink industry in relation to the success of the wider UK economy.
According to the FDF, the food and drink industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, contributing £28.2bn to the economy annually and employing more than 400,000 people throughout the UK.
“The next six weeks are the pivotal time for the food and drink industry to make its case to those who aspire to form the next government – a government which will lead us through Brexit negotiations and the uncertain period that follows,” Wright added.
The manifesto, which is aimed at policymakers and candidates of all parties across the UK, can be found here.
