Leading figures in the UK food and drink industry today (2 February) came together in London to discuss what the future holds for the industry. Sustainability and food security were two much-debated issues. Michelle Russell reports.

“Fairtrade, organic, environmentally-friendly products have all retained momentum in the recession. It’s been one part of the constant evolution in consumer demand. Companies will need to run faster than ever before” – Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of IGD

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“Gordon Brown said he is proud of the food sector and so am I. We must all play a role in producing a carbon effective future.” – Melanie Leech, director general of FDF

“Science is a big advantage on farming. Good research can help us make farming more sustainable. More needs to be done despite government estimates” – Terry Jones, head of government affairs for NFU

“While the 2030 strategy has been well received, the next question is how are we going to deliver that. That’s what we are working on at the moment and how we are going to take that forward. But we can’t give you an exact date.” – Jo Bray, food policy unit, Defra

“We must turn the 2030 vision into reality. We’d like to see the strategy pinned down more by the Government. This would require ministers to start talking and back us. Back us in going green. Give us the right policy framework to protect the food industry” – Leech

“93% of consumers don’t know what GM is. The level of understanding is very low. There are people pro and there are people against. What needs to happen is good information to enable consumers to make an informed choice” – Denney-Finch, IGD

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“GM is still an issue of concern. We need to openly consider its role and ensure safety and real choice. It is important to have a debate and to ask where that fits in with the rest of the food issues.” – Sue Davies, chief policy adviser, Which?

“There has been a downturn in consumers want for organic products. Fourty per cent of consumers are sceptics but if there is enough momentum, they can be educated. Convenience and choice remain paramount” – Rowland Hill, sustainability manager for Marks and Spencer

“The food price spikes of 2008 really turned the tide. Some saw food security as a challenge, but increasingly, we need to ask, how can the UK play its role in food security?” – Jones

“With packaging and waste we’re about half-way there. Carrier bags are seen as a really potent behaviour change issue. But if you look at the impact it has on the environment, it is very small” – Hill, M&S