Global Justice Now publishes report on food policy following Brexit

Monday, 26 June 2017 08:29

Global Justice Now has published a report on food policy following Brexit.

Policy proposals include:

2.1 Promote the use of agroecology

2.1.1 The government should support an Agroecology Bill. This was originally proposed by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Agroecology in 2014.This bill would legislate support for a transition to agroecological principles and practices as the basis of farming and food production.

2.1.2 The government should implement a ‘human right to seeds and biological diversity’. This would be an addition to the right to food, and help to protect and extend people’s access to and use of seeds, plants, and animals.

2.1.3 Provide economic support for farmers to transition towards agroecology, and support for food workers across the food system where sectors are transitioning to sustainable food practices. This could be achieved through a combination of financial incentives, start-up funding and grants, market supports, and environmental taxes on nonrenewable resources and high-input agricultural systems.

2.2 Increase local food production and consumption

2.2.1 Promote local food production on Green Belt and peri-urban land.x This could be achieved by identifying underused land and removing planning restrictions for market garden projects and agricultural dwellings, and associated self-build homes and peri-urban smallholdings.

2.2.2 Increase access to local, sustainably produced and fair food in public sector organisations such as schools and hospitals. This could be achieved through procurement policies and buying standards that emphasise provenance and enforce sustainability, welfare and labour standards

2.2.3 Local authorities should increase funding for community growing projects. Projects that can demonstrate wider social benefits should be supported to ensure their long-term financial security and sustainability, as many such projects currently rely on volunteers and staff paid low or no wage. Efforts should be made to integrate community horticultural and farming projects with local health and social service contracts.

2.2.4 Develop national planning policies and guidance that support community food growing. This includes training officers in local planning authorities to recognise the benefits of food production projects.