New chair for food policy council

Dame Suzi Leather, formerly at public bodies such as the Food Standards Agency and the School Food Trust, has been appointed the chair of the new Council of Food Policy Advisers.

The council will advise the government on food affordability, security of supply and the environmental impact of food production. It will also contribute to the policy for food security and supply which is expected to be published later this year.

Hilary Benn, environmental secretary, commented: "I am setting up the council for two years, with a review after 18 months to see if a more permanent body is needed. I want to focus on the practical policies needed to maintain UK and global food security and the long term sustainability of the food chain, following on from the recommendations on food made by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit Report."

Dame Suzi commented on her new role: "I am pleased to accept this role on the new Food Policy Council. Advising government on the core task – making our food system fit for the planet and for our own health – is profoundly important."