Speaking at the PTF’s annual dinner, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane, Addy urged members of the trade association to make their voices heard in the halls of government as the UK and our food system “stand at a crossroads in history”.
“As focus on the war in Europe intensifies, so do the levels of uncertainty surrounding wider international trade relations, old alliances and the impacts of climate change,” he began.
“Events are moving at pace. For too long, this country has been complacent about food and farming. We have taken food provision as a given.
“Now, more than ever, we need a plan that prioritises food production, food security and trade, so that we can stop firefighting and reacting to crises and start forging our own destiny. A strategy that involves all stakeholders at every part of the supply chain. Because change is coming, and we can only face it together.”
Addy then expressed frustration with the lack of progress on an extensive “farm to fork plan” which has been trailed for some time.
“The industry is getting restless [and] as far as farm to fork is concerned, we have come to a fork in the road for UK farming and food,” he continued.
“The future of the industry as we know is rapidly approaching a knife edge. We will be forced to pick sides. Without decisive leadership, we will be led down avenues we don’t want to explore.”
With inaction the state of play elsewhere, Addy called upon PTF members to take work with the trade organisation, which he believes can act as a banner under which food businesses can rally.
“Now is the time for action [as] the industry, too, has been complacent,” he said.
“We can’t simply wait for government to deliver all the answers. Increasingly, urgent issues – such as defence – will distract from other key priorities. We must work with government to make our voices heard, applying our professional skills to create solutions in areas where we have the know-how.”
Despite the rather pessimistic opening to his speech, Addy also touched on the possibilities that exist.
“Times of change and uncertainty bring the opportunity for firm leadership, for technological leaps and innovation to achieve things we never thought were possible,” he explained.
“It’s also why I will be engaging with members in the coming weeks as we firm up the next stage of PTF strategy in areas such as sustainability. We will be looking for volunteers to tackle the big issues in the months and years to come.”
Finally, he warned against misinformation and encouraged members to seek out trusted sources that make it easier to separate fact from fiction.
“We need to remember, it’s not the voice that shouts the loudest that reflects the majority view,” Addy said.
“It’s the voice that is supported by the facts. As we help develop health and wellbeing and sustainability policy, we will need to know and be able to evaluate sound science from white noise. This is a time when the industry needs trade associations more than ever.
“So watch this space – we will be exploring our part in your future. Together, we will overcome the challenges we all face.”
