If ever a topic illustrates how important the UK’s agricultural industry is to life and well-being it was one aired at the recent Oxford Farming Conference. At a time when so much energy and attention is spent trying to keep fit, eat well and stay healthy, the subject in question was ‘Is food the new medicine?’

It was fascinating to hear from a variety of people, each with a very different connection to the farming and food industry. All recognised the important relationship that exists between the two sectors. Here is a summary of what was said:

• In calling for the way we produce food to change, as well as reviewing what we actually produce, Professor Susan Jebb, Professor of Diet and Population Health at the University of Oxford, set out six steps the industry could take to achieve this. These ranged from better crop selection and maximising nutritional input through to re-connecting consumers with the producer.

• Optimising the best nature has to offer though food could be the new medicine but only as part of a wider health picture, said Judith Batchelar, OBE, Director of Brand Sainsbury’s. Shopping habits have to change as much as the content of food products.

• Dr Pearse Lyons, Founder and President of Alltech, discussed whether farmers could be also pharmacists, concluding there was a real opportunity for agriculture to deliver health benefits if the industry had entrepreneurs to take up this challenge.

• James Withers, Chief Executive, Scotland Food & Drink, warned of the need to avoid scientific claims that mean little to the consumer, adding it was likely that we will shortly be able to scan a bar code using a mobile phone to reveal the nutritional details of a product.

Farmers and their advisers are well known for innovation and the ability to adapt to changing demands. Oilseed rape oil, traditionally for commercial use, is now available on the High Street, and the healing benefits of lavender have encouraged production on a commercial scale, for example.

Our increasing interest in food and the hugely important role it plays is a subject that focuses the mind.

Further information

For more details and advice, contact Savills Rural, Energy & Projects Division.