Keeping up with Foodtech: Are Policymakers on Track?

Keeping up with Foodtech: Are Policymakers on Track?

Re-watch Live @ Soho House
Panel
Circular EconomyDriving Social Change through Digital TechnologyFood & Agriculture

Information

Hosted by Benedict Macon-Cooney, Deputy Executive Director for Tech Policy, Tony Blair Institute 

Innovations across the food chain, from agriculture to cultured meat, are giving us an exciting glimpse of a future where feeding the world doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. However, tackling food security and sustainability must come from both the private and public sectors, as the step from creation to adoption is vast. Policymakers are needed to address obstacles such as R&D funding, training, investment in manufacturing capabilities, and regulation. How should policymakers approach this? What does the private sector need to know?

About Benedict Macon-Cooney

Benedict works on accelerating science and innovation, with a particular focus on biotech, climate tech and the future of food. He started his career as an economist in Her Majesty's Treasury, later becoming a speechwriter in the ministry. He has also worked in the Office of the President in Rwanda and on development issues in other countries.

Andy Shovel, Co-Founder, THIS

Andy U-turned from selling meat for a living, after selling his restaurant business in 2016. He is now the co-founder of THIS – one of the UK’s fastest growing meat-free brands.  

Edwin Morgan, Director of Communications at Harvest London

Edwin Morgan is Director of Communications at Harvest London, a vertical farming company which provides locally-grown produce for the food industry, with a reduced environmental impact. Before joining Harvest in 2020, he worked for 10 years in Westminster, most recently as Director of Policy at the Institute of Directors, one of the UK's leading business membership groups. 

Dr. Helena Wright, Policy Director at the FAIRR Initiative 

Dr. Helena Wright focuses on policy solutions related to the risks and opportunities surrounding intensive animal agriculture. Helena’s work focuses on engaging with governments, regulators, industry bodies and investors to promote greater understanding of the ESG risks surrounding intensive animal agriculture and build increased engagement around sustainable policies and business practices. Her previous experience includes working as a Vice President at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), working at think tank E3G on sustainable finance, as well as working as a negotiator for the UK Government. She holds a PhD from Imperial College London. 

Tony Blair Institute for Global ChangeWe shape the debate with bold ideas and practical reforms. We’re working to reinvigorate the centre ground of politics, reframing debates and providing solutions to issues from extremism to the challenges presented by the technological revolution. From populist leadership to public protest, our current political landscape is marked by extremism, with ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitudes pervading debate on a global basis. Alongside this, we’re living in an unprecedented era of technological progression; one that offers renewed prosperity and connection, but which also presents challenges that threaten further division. Our mission is to equip political leaders to build prosperous, open and inclusive societies. To do that, we need to tackle the issue of extremism, as well as promote the kind of politics that seeks to unite rather than divide. And we need to help those leaders master the revolution in technology, so that they can access its benefits and mitigate its risks.

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