The UK's landmark 20-year agriculture strategy, with which the government is attempting to lead the world on food policy, is "short in detail" and "lacks bite", US farm officials have been told.

US Department of Agriculture attaché Jennifer Wilson has, in a report sent back Washington, said that much of the UK's Food 2030 strategy unveiled earlier this month is "not new" and highlighted the "soft tone" of its action plan.

Howver, while many observers had highlighted the strategy's limitations, flagging a dearth of fresh investment pledges and direct government support measures, these reflect a looming general election.

"It is unrealistic to expect major programmes or potentially contentious policy changes to be announced less than six months before a national election," Ms Wilson wrote.

'Global leadership' 

Food 2030 has received "something of a muted response" from industry and consumer representatives, Ms Wilson's report said.

"Some critics say Food 2030 lacks bite as there is no new government intervention included – most of the initiatives proposed are voluntary.

"Some observers… question the likelihood of the strategy's success in achieving a revolution in UK food supply without government intervention and additional funding."

Nonetheless, the document was "ambitious" in its vision, and made a "strong call to increase food production in the UK and bolder-than-previous statements in support of contentious issues such as… agricultural biotechnology."

"It is clear that the UK government is seeking to demonstrate global leadership in response to food security and climate change concerns," Ms Wilson added.

'Vitally important' 

Many commentators have suggested that the strategy is stronger on vision than detail, including members of a cross-party committee of MPs who questioned UK farm secretary Hilary Benn two weeks ago.

Mr Benn, in reply, said that Food 2030 was "vitally important" and was supported by initiatives across government, noting the formation of policy taskforces for the pig and vegetable industries, and the extra £50m spent on arm research.