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Birmingham Food Council creates food security game
In January 2018, the team behind the project published an in-depth horizon scanning report which set out four recommendations for the UK Government based on its findings.
- Draw up a long-term national food security strategy
- Advise the Government on new ‘sticks’ for the agrifood sector (restrictions, regulation, taxes), and ‘carrots’ (economic policy and investment) that will contribute to the delivery of the strategy
- Produce an annual report on the Government’s performance in meeting food security strategic goals
- For each incoming Government, provide a public update report on the Institute’s long-term strategic analysis of global and UK food security
The report ‘Back from the future’ highlighted the scale and urgency of threats facing the nation’s food system, exposing a ‘lack of capacity’ within government and other institutions to respond appropriately.
The council were particularly concerned that ‘no one in national government appeared to grasp the challenges ahead’ – and with that The Game was born.
The scenario workshop intends to widen and deepen players’ understanding of possible agri-food futures and explore how trade-offs, taken to avert or mitigate crises, impact communities.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to join an alumni network, a collective policy influence for preparedness planning to be at the heart of UK food supply.
The Game is designed to be played in groups of 4-6 players who are tasked with looking after a city. The players make decisions and undertake actions to protect their citizens’ access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food in response to events – for example, climate change, population pressures and so on.
The Game has now been played several times, including players from retailers, manufacturers and even the police, since its creation and is continually updated to reflect real-world events.
Commenting on a previous workshop, Sophie Hosking, strategic director of neighbourhoods at Cornwall County Council said: “As soon as I heard about The Game, I knew I had to be there to discuss UK food security in depth. And it didn’t disappoint.”
Fellow previous attendee, Tom Hollands, technical innovation director at Raynor Foods added that it was “a superb educational tool for leaders”.
The next event will take place on 10 October 2024 at Mills & Reeve Solicitors in Birmingham.
In other news, Food Manufacture investigates whether there is still room for plastic in food and drink packaging or whether it's time for an alternative.
