Resilience: Insights from Sustainable Foods 2026

That was the clear takeaway from Sustainable Foods 2026, where leaders across farming, logistics, retail and policy came together to explore how the sector can accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system while confronting rising supply chain pressures. 

Across the event, the conversation consistently returned to a single insight: resilience is no longer an optional capability — it is the foundation on which sustainability, productivity and growth now depend. 

Unlocking new pathways to resilience 

Global shocks, from the war in Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis to climate change and new geopolitical tensions have pushed food security to the forefront of the UK agenda. As risks increase, businesses are recognising resilience as a strategic priority underpinning sustainable production, healthier diets and long-term stability. 

IGD CEO Sarah Bradbury chaired a panel exploring the actions required to build a more resilient and secure food system. Leaders across the value chain highlighted four essential components: 

• Self-sufficiency and domestic production  

• Flexibility and adaptive supply chains 

• Sustainability and climate adaptation 

• Skills and workforce development 

What follows is a summary of their collective perspectives. 

1. Self-sufficiency and domestic production 

The UK’s self-sufficiency has fallen from 87% in the 1980s to around 60% in 2025. Creating gains in efficiency but also increasing exposure to geopolitical and climate related shocks. Looking forward, panellists emphasised the need to rebuild domestic capacity in sectors where the UK has a competitive advantage.  

IGD’s recent Viewpoint report: Driving growth through a thriving food system highlighted poultry and horticulture as high potential areas: unlocking barriers in these sectors could add £1.3bn in production value and create 60,000 jobs by 2030. Strategic investment in these areas can strengthen resilience and drive growth. 

2. Building resilience through flexibility 

Supply chain flexibility is becoming non-negotiable. Geopolitical tensions and labour shortages are reshaping sourcing strategies, prompting businesses to move towards nearshoring and friendshoring to regain control of previously dispersed networks.  

Diversification (particularly for single source commodities) is accelerating. At the same time, advanced data systems are improving visibility, traceability and product integrity, not only boosting efficiency but also strengthening food safety and consumer trust.  

3. Sustainability and climate adaptation 

Climate change is already disrupting primary production, and the sector is being forced to innovate at speed. DEFRA’s Farming Innovation Programme is driving progress in climate tolerant crops, low emission livestock feeds and technology that reduces reliance on imported inputs. 

Regenerative agriculture continues to gain momentum, despite ongoing debates over definitions and trade-offs. The new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is expected to accelerate adoption in 2026, improving environmental resilience and strengthening domestic production. 

Yet progress remains fragmented. IGD’s recent work shows that a coordinated, systemwide agricultural transition plan is needed, including a consistent baseline for England’s farmland to avoid siloed, costly efforts that dilute impact. 

4. Skills and workforce development 

Labour shortages, an ageing workforce and limited awareness of sector careers threaten long-term capability. The food system employs more than 13% of the UK workforce, yet negative perceptions and limited visibility of career pathways continue to hold back recruitment. 

Industrywide collaboration is essential. Campaigns such as Mmmake Your Mark show the potential, but rising unemployment and persistent skills shortages demand more. IGD is calling for: 

• Expanded access to training 

• Stronger employer education partnerships 

• Policy frameworks that reward investment in workforce development 

A resilient food system depends on a workforce equipped with the technical, digital and operational skills needed for the decade ahead. 

Food for thought: Aquaculture’s emerging role 

Aquaculture is poised to play a major role in a resilient transition to healthy, sustainable diets. Seafood already represents the UK’s largest animal protein category, with nearly 200,000 tonnes consumed annually and £10bn in sales. 

Globally, aquaculture has overtaken wild capture fisheries, reaching 99 million tonnes, but environmental shifts such as warming waters and species migration will demand more adaptable systems. Scaling modern aquaculture will require investment, innovation and better long-term planning, but the growth opportunity is significant. 

A system moving with purpose 

Sustainable Foods 2026 demonstrated that momentum is building across industry and government. Businesses are accelerating innovation, restructuring supply chains and engaging more closely with consumers to drive growth and profitability. 

Resilience is no longer the backdrop to sustainability; it is the starting point. And as the food system navigates increasingly complex risks, the organisations that invest in resilience today will be the ones best placed to thrive tomorrow.