Newspaper column 16 June 2022 - Food Strategy

The past week saw further progress made in a number of areas I am working hard for you in as Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth.

On Wednesday it was a pleasure to chair the Ocean Conservation All Party Parliamentary Group World Ocean Day reception, in Parliament with Surfers Against Sewage.

We heard from some fantastic speakers on marine protected areas (MPAs). Our seas have a great variety of marine life and habitats, many of which are rare and of national importance. MPAs help make sure that these are guarded from the increasing pressures of human activity, and they also play an important role in offering nature-based solutions to climate change.

I am pleased our Blue Belt of marine protection around our coast is now an area twice the size of England and truly a world-leading level of protection. However, there is always more that can be done, and we have a duty to ensure that our marine life recovers and thrives for future generations.

On Friday, it was Brilliant to welcome the Prime Minister to the first Royal Cornwall Show in several years.

It was great to see the show back and better than ever.

Boris was welcomed by the crowds and was keen to talk to Cornish farmers, food and drink producers about the challenges we face, and encouraged everyone to buy and eat Cornish produce wherever possible!

The Prime Minister was back in Cornwall on Monday where he announced the Government’s National Food Strategy.

This strategy will help ensure we deliver our ambition for a prosperous agri-food sector, and that healthier and more sustainable diets can be achieved by all.

It follows the government-commissioned independent review of the food system, the “National Food Strategy” led by Henry Dimbleby and builds on existing work across government and the actions already being taken forward by industry and other key actors.

The objectives for this strategy are to deliver:

A prosperous agri-food and seafood sector that ensures a secure food supply in an unpredictable world and contributes to the levelling up agenda through good quality jobs around the country.

A sustainable, nature positive, affordable food system that provides choice and access to high quality products that support healthier and home-grown diets for all.

trade that provides export opportunities and consumer choice through imports, without compromising our regulatory standards for food, whether produced domestically or imported.

I am in regular contact with food producers around Truro and Falmouth and am keen to hear what you think about this new strategy – please get in touch with your feedback.

As ever, if you need my assistance with anything then my team and I are here to help. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698. My regular constituency advice surgeries are held in a covid-safe environment at my office, so please do get in touch should you wish to meet me about any matters that I can be of assistance with.