Bridging the gap between science and food policy: nutrition as a driver of policy drawing on Scotland as a case study

Margaret Gill* (Corresponding Author), Kieran Fowler, E. Marian Scott

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Access to adequate food is one of the Human Rights set out in international law and hence its delivery (through policy) is the role of government. ‘Food policy’ cannot be the role of a single government department, however, since regulations must take care of public goods (e.g. public health and protecting the natural environment) while also creating an economic environment attractive to private sector participation. From the mid-20th century, much of food policy was driven by a need to encourage the production base, but more recently the importance of considering food policy through the lens of nutritional requirements is increasingly recognised, alongside the importance of minimising environmental damage. This review paper draws on experience of working with policymakers (in particular the Scottish Government) and of active participation in an EC-commissioned project. It highlights the need for the research community to invest time and resources in understanding what evidence policymakers are asking for and to consider that alongside evidence from those who will be impacted by the policy (stakeholders). Examples of effective ways of engaging stakeholders and policy communities simultaneously are outlined and the paper provides some thoughts on the boundaries between the science and policy communities and how to bridge them. The Case Study also highlights the importance of evidence to inform prioritisation and consultation at a local level when aiming to meet multiple policy goals nationally.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the Nutrition Society
Early online date30 Jan 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 30 Jan 2024

Bibliographical note

The Case Study was undertaken while MG and EMS were members of the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) and KF was an intern working on behalf of the SSAC. Comments from other members of a Short Life Working Group and members of the SSAC during the work behind the Case Study are gratefully acknowledged.

Keywords

  • Food policy
  • Nutrition
  • Stakeholder engagement

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