From 2006 to 2008, global food prices rose rapidly – caused by global market failures, fluctuating oil prices, increases in extreme weather events, and the unsustainable and immoral dash by the US to grow crops to 'feed' cars rather than people. Social and political unrest at the cost and scarcity of staple foods followed in 14 countries worldwide – from 'tortilla riots' in Mexico to protests over the price of pasta in Italy.

In the UK, we have not yet experienced the worst effects of a globally imbalanced food system, but here too, food security is again an issue of public concern. The first review Gordon Brown commissioned on becoming Prime Minister was an analysis of food issues. The resulting report published in July 2008 concluded that: 'existing patterns of food production are not fit for a low-carbon, more resource-constrained future', and 'existing patterns of food consumption will result in our society being loaded with a heavy burden of obesity and diet-related ill health.'

This debate held at the RSA on 23rd September included a panel made up of Professor Tim Lang, Peter Melchett from the Soil Association and Professor Nigel Halford, principal investigator at Rothamsted Research.