The global food system is at a crossroads. With increasing concerns about public health, economic inequality, environmental degradation, and social justice, the way we produce, distribute, and consume food is under greater scrutiny than ever before. The FEAST Policy Chat webinar, featuring insights from Professor Timothy Lang, provided a deep dive into these pressing challenges. 

In this thought-provoking webinar for the FEAST project, Professor Timothy Lang, a leading expert in food policy, delivered a powerful presentation outlining the vulnerabilities and opportunities within the European and global food systems. His discussion revolved around the concept of food security, the impact of geopolitical crises, and the urgent need for a shift toward food resilience and democracy. Below, we explore the key takeaways from his presentation and the implications for the future of food systems.

This blog explores the key takeaways from the webinar, focusing on food security, the role of competitiveness in food policy, the impact of industrial food production, and potential solutions that prioritise both public and planetary health.

The fragility of the modern food system

Professor Lang set the stage by highlighting the fragility of current food systems. He referenced his latest research, which investigates the potential shocks facing the European food system—one that supplies 30% of the UK's food. His critical question: are we prepared for food crises?
According to Lang, many consumers believe food simply appears on supermarket shelves, unaware of the vulnerabilities in global supply chains. He argued that food security is not merely about food availability but also about the infrastructure that sustains it. Citing recent conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza, and disruptions in Sudan, Lang emphasised how food can be weaponised, turning a necessity into a tool for political and military control.

The role of corporate power and market concentration

One of the most pressing concerns raised by Lang was the increasing dominance of corporate players in the food system. In Europe, 3% of food manufacturing companies control 50% of processed food production. This concentration of power distorts food markets, leading to overproduction of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods while exacerbating inequalities in food access.
He also pointed out that modern food logistics, shipping, warehousing, and transportation, are controlled by a small number of powerful actors. These logistics firms, though often composed of smaller businesses, ultimately serve the interests of multinational corporations. This dependency on a few key players increases the vulnerability of food systems to supply chain disruptions.

The growing threat of food weaponisation

A particularly compelling segment of Lang’s talk focused on the concept of food weaponisation. Throughout history, food has been used as a tool for control, from military blockades to economic sanctions. Today, this reality persists, with recent conflicts demonstrating how food can be deliberately withheld or targeted as a strategic asset.
Lang highlighted how vulnerable regions such as Gaza and Ukraine have suffered from food disruptions, showing how food insecurity can destabilise societies. He also acknowledged the subtler forms of food control, where corporations dictate food choices through aggressive marketing, shaping dietary habits in ways that undermine public health.

Food security vs. food resilience

A core theme of Lang’s presentation was the distinction between food security and food resilience. While food security focuses on ensuring sufficient food production, food resilience considers how well societies can recover from disruptions. This shift in perspective, he argued, is critical in a world facing increasing climate shocks, geopolitical conflicts, and economic inequalities.
The European food system, built on post-World War II cooperation, is now facing unprecedented challenges, including supply chain vulnerabilities, market-driven consumerism, and corporate concentration. Professor Lang challenged the notion of competitiveness as the primary driver of food policy, instead advocating for a holistic approach that prioritises resilience.

An approach to food resilience: food preparedness and localised solutions

Lang also identified opportunities for positive change. He pointed to Sweden’s innovative approach to food preparedness as a model for other nations. Sweden has shifted its policy focus from short-term efficiency to long-term resilience, recognising the need for food storage, diversified supply chains, and community-based food networks.
He also cited successful grassroots initiatives, such as the food belt movement in Wallonia, Belgium, where urban areas are developing stronger regional food networks. These projects enhance local food sovereignty and reduce dependency on fragile global supply chains.

The six pillars of a resilient food system

Lang proposed a new vision for food policy, one that prioritises feeding all people well as the central goal. To achieve this, he outlined six key features that must be embedded within food systems:

• Food security: ensuring stable access to adequate food supplies.
•  Food sustainability: reducing environmental damage and embracing regenerative practices.
• Food democracy: moving beyond consumerism to foster active participation in food governance.
• Food defense: protecting food systems from geopolitical disruptions and ensuring national resilience.
• Food risk management: preparing for economic, climate, and geopolitical shocks.
• Infrastructure development: investing in physical and social systems that support food production and distribution.

Lang’s model challenges the outdated assumption that producing enough food equates to feeding people adequately. Instead, he argued, we must shift towards policies that integrate resilience into food systems at every level.

Policy implications: what needs to change?

Lang concluded his presentation with a call to action for policymakers, civil society, and businesses. He argued that food systems must be restructured to prioritise resilience over competition and efficiency. Key policy recommendations included:

• Establishing civil food committees: across Europe, local and national governments should create food resilience committees to engage citizens in food security planning.
• Decentralising food systems: encouraging regional and local food production to reduce reliance on long-distance supply chains.
• Investing in food infrastructure: building resilient storage, distribution, and emergency food networks to withstand future shocks.
• Regulating corporate power: implementing stricter policies on market concentration to ensure food equity and prevent monopolisation.
• Promoting food democracy: encouraging citizen participation in food policy decision-making to shift control from corporations to communities.

Moving towards a resilient future

Professor Timothy Lang’s presentation served as a wake-up call for food policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society. As climate change accelerates, geopolitical conflicts persist, and economic inequalities widen, the need for food resilience has never been greater. The European food system, and indeed the global food landscape, must pivot toward a model that prioritises the well-being of all citizens over corporate interests.
The future of food is not just about ensuring enough production; it is about designing systems that are adaptable, inclusive, and sustainable. Lang’s insights challenge us to rethink our approach, urging a shift from competition-driven policies to a food system built on equity, sustainability, and resilience. The time to act is now.

The recordings and presentation slides from our second Policy Chat webinar can be found here:

Presentations: FEAST Policy Chat Webinar 02 
Recordings: FEAST Policy Chat Webinar 02 - Part 1