Summary
This policy and practice briefing examines how to build long-term resilience in the UK’s fresh food supply chains in the face of disruptions like COVID-19, climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic crises. It presents findings from the H3 (Healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people) project conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds. It presents simplified findings from a literature review of 101 peer-reviewed articles combined with qualitative interviews and public evidence, using a systems change framework to explore governance and supply chain dynamics. The findings reveal a focus on short-term recovery rather than deeper structural change, and highlight how current pricing pressures harm both sustainability and social outcomes. The report calls for policies that promote local, seasonal, and plant-rich food systems, fair pricing, and clearly defined responsibilities across all supply chain actors.
