ATW 2025: The National Food Strategy – the role of agri-tech in strengthening the UK’s food system

Agri-TechE Week 2025 celebrates its 12th year! Our largest yet, featuring 11 events curated by Agri-TechE and hosted by our incredible member community, followed by the REAP Conference on 4th November. This week exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking in agri-tech.

Each event reflects the strength of our ecosystem, showcasing what our community can achieve and bringing together our growers, researchers, and technology developers. A big thank you to our members for hosting – we wouldn’t have an agri-tech week without you and we are very proud to have your membership. 

GK Strategy was delighted to host a webinar for Agri-TechE during #AgriTechWeek that featured former health minister Steve Brine, and food systems expert Honor Eldridge.

The discussion kicked off with Steve Brine setting the political context of the government’s national food strategy. While the Chancellor has soured relations with the agricultural sector, there is a clear political imperative for Labour MPs to rebuild trust and engagement with the sector. Newly elected Labour MPs in rural marginal constituencies are an important stakeholder in this process.

For the new national food strategy to succeed where its predecessor failed, it needs teeth and not just strong rhetoric. Steve Brine highlighted how fiscal mechanisms will need to be stronger to truly integrate public health priorities and the country’s food systems. Honor Eldridge spoke about how food supply chains demand stronger incentives to drive positive environmental change, including expanding access to agri-tech solutions to SMEs. Expected in Spring 2026, the publication of the national food strategy’s implementation action plan will be a defining moment for the government and the sector.

Both panellists agreed there is a role for the sector to change perceptions of agri-tech among policymakers. Honor brought to light the huge economic potential of agri-tech to help producers ‘do more with less and drive efficiencies’ which strongly aligns with the government’s economic objectives. Steve underscored the importance of framing engagement with Labour MPs in terms of social justice and inequalities. Agri-tech is a vital tool in addressing some of society’s most pressing public health priorities, can improve the country’s food resilience in boosting domestic production, and can help create and develop climate smart farming practices.

If you would like to pick up the conversation, please do not hesitate to contact thea@gkstrategy.com

• : *I have permission from the copyright holder to publish this content and images.