Call for delay to ‘business as usual’ legislation while food sector recovers from Covid

“However, it has also laid bare the fragility of our food system and reminded us all of its importance.

“This report clearly outlines what needs to be done to ensure the entire sector can restart successfully and build a greener, healthier food system for all.”

The report goes on to call for a ‘united effort’ to support the industry’s worst-hit sectors, including hospitality and hospitality suppliers, recommending VAT be temporarily removed on food and drink consumed out of home.

Competition

Other asks of Government include monitoring food imports to prevents any compromise of safety or animal and plant health standards, accelerating plans to increase exports and reviewing whether a full return to competition law is necessary or desirable.

Ian Wright, industry co-chair of the FDSC and chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said: “Collaboration has been a key theme during the pandemic, and we must take our shared learnings forward as we look to support all parts of the supply chain with their recovery.

“The FDSC’s recovery report is a clear and comprehensive plan which ensures we can do just that, while helping to build a sustainable food system for the future.”