Bolster local food sector to build UK resilience, signals new report

The Local Food Growth Plan presents a comprehensive pathway for growing the UK’s local food sector, outlining key actions for food and farming organisations, local and mayoral authorities, national governments, investors and academic institutions.

A more resilient food system must be grounded in local supply chains which benefit farmers, nature and the general public, according to the new report by Sustain, the Landworkers’ Alliance, the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Pasture for Life and the Sustainable Food Trust. 

This publication is part of a two year Local Food Growth Plan programme , involving research and insights from supply chain actors on the barriers and solutions to growing the local food sector, funded by the Rothschild Foundation. It builds on a Sector snapshot report published in May last year. The programme also provided a review of local food definitions to help shape the scope of the work, highlighting the importance of small and medium sized enterprises in supplying local food and diversifying food supply.

Explore the Local Food Growth Plan

Bringing together stakeholders from across the local food sector, from farmers and growers to local food businesses and retailers, the report sets out a cohesive Local Food Growth Plan which can challenge an overreliance on food imports and build a more resilient food system in the UK.

As the Government develops its forthcoming Food Strategy, the 25 Year Farming Roadmap, and the Devolution Priority Programme, the report sets out 7 key priorities to help develop a more resilient food system. Changing climates and shocks to global supply chains have increased the input costs for food producers and exposed levels of unfairness in food supply chains and power imbalances between farmers, processors, manufacturers and retailers. 

The 7 Key Priorities identified in the Plan

1. Establish local food growth plans for each region in the UK
2. Enable and invest in policies to support local food retail and processing infrastructure
3. Prioritise edible horticulture support via a national Horticulture Strategy
4. Create a roadmap for meeting the commitment to public sector food procurement standards
5. Enable decisive action to make food supply chains fairer for farmers, such as strengthening the Groceries Code Adjudicator
6. Recognise the vital role of localised food strategies and food partnership networks in transforming supply chains
7. Promote influential marketing, and targeted business and training support to help the local food sector thrive

Local food systems can help strengthen local economies and communities, increase farm profitability, encourage the uptake of nature-friendly farming and enable a more accessible and resilient supply of healthy and affordable food. 

A more localised approach to food supply is backed by a strong impetus from producers, distributors and retailers alike to make local food more accessible to everyone. But in order to enable these resilient local food systems to thrive, the report finds a concerted effort is needed to secure adequate investment in essential infrastructure, and foster meaningful collaboration between food producers, local authorities and communities. 

Successful examples of this kind of collaboration already exist across the UK. Sustainable Food Places is an excellent programme which brings together public bodies, community organisations and food businesses on the local level to drive innovation, collaboration and best practice on all aspects of healthy and sustainable food. The report also profiles a number of other case studies from across the UK who are bringing about real change in their local areas by adopting a collaborative approach to local food. 

Implementation of the plan has already begun, championed by the partners. 

 

Bella Thompson, Local Food Plan Coordinator at the Landworkers’ Alliance, said:

"This report lays out the path we need to take in order to realise the incredible potential of our wonderfully diverse sector. 

Developing regional infrastructure has the potential to boost local economies and support hundreds of farmers to reach new markets. Through this work, we have a real opportunity to create a food system that facilitates access to fresh, nutritious food for everyone.”

Vera Zakharov, Local Action Coordinator at Sustain, said:

"The power of local, agroecological and farmer-led supply chains to transform our food system is evident, driving innovation and collaboration across food supply networks that deliver ecological benefits, green jobs and public health benefits.

In the face of UK and global supply chain risks such as climate and geopolitical instabilities, we need to enable a diversified and resilient UK food system. Now is the time for political leadership, including UK and devolved nation governments as well as regional mayors, to put local food at the heart of devolution, economic growth and community prosperity agendas. This sector-wide action plan can lead the way."

Jimmy Woodrow, Chief Executive at Pasture for Life, said:

"Covid showed that for most farmers, developing local routes to market is simply good business. Diversification of customers is as important as diversification of enterprise for farm resilience.

This report is the latest step towards greater coordination in this key part of the sector. Whether it is around infrastructure, skills or collaboration tools, the future is bright if we work together."

Bonnie Welch, Head of Projects at Sustainable Food Trust, said:

“Local food systems are essential to building a sustainable and resilient future for everyone. By supporting their growth, we can reduce our reliance on imports, strengthen local communities, and promote more sustainable farming practices. 

Across the UK, inspiring examples of community-led initiatives and innovative local markets show the power of local action. The need for further progress is urgent—at every level, from policy makers to consumers, we must all take responsibility to ensure a healthier, more equitable food system for future generations."

Mhairi Brown, Head of Food Futures at FFCC, said:

“This report highlights what's needed to grow the local food sector, moving beyond a system that has long favoured scale and profit at the expense of resilience, fairness, and community connection. By investing in local food systems, creating diverse supply networks, and supporting small businesses and innovative food enterprises, a food economy develops that truly serves both people and place. 

This shift creates lasting benefits—improving public health, regenerating the natural environment, and strengthening local economies across the country.”

Julia Kirby-Smith, Executive Director at Better Food Traders, said:

"Local food supply and more regionalised food systems bring so many benefits, but we need some big cultural and economic changes to rebuild local food; a combination of movement-building and market-building. 

That's why coordinated action at local and regional levels is so important - Sustainable Food Places and regional food hubs are two examples that are helping to create the localised food systems we want."

Angela Blair, Food Policy Coordinator at Brighton and Hove City Council, said:

“Brighton and Hove and the wider region are committed to supporting and building resilient local food systems, aligning activities that boost local food supply chains, contribute to energy and climate change ambitions and health improvements as well as reducing social and economic inequality. 

The potential for regional devolution and increased emphasis on the country’s growth mission offers an opportunity to bring the food sector fully into focus and ensure that national and regional policy making is aligned with local producers, businesses and communities.” 

For further information email localfood@sustainweb.org, sign up for news or take a look at the website. 

Download the Local Food Growth Plan

Published 4 Apr 2025