Soil Association response to Defra on food security in the UK

In response to a Defra discussion paper titled, “Ensuring the UK’s food security in a changing world”, Patrick Holden, Soil Association director, said:

“Credit to Hilary Benn for joining the debate that has been live amongst far-sighted individuals and food and farming groups for years. But the dead-hand of the Treasury is still visible on the document – with its outdated economic mantra of the UK being a developed country, ‘able to access the food we need on the global market.’ This is dangerously complacent in the light of many traditional food exporting countries looking to feed their own populations or even their cars – as in the USA.

“The accepted need for greenhouse gas cuts of 60 to 80 per cent cover agriculture too, the majority of which is currently hugely dependent on oil-based fertilisers and pesticides. Rather than blind faith in global trade what is needed, not just in the UK, is the rebuilding of more regionalised and resilient food economies. Ironically, the UK could be more vulnerable to future shocks and challenges then some developing countries. Over the last 60-years we have stripped away the vital infrastructure of numerous, diverse mixed farms and associated processors, abattoirs, and railway networks that enabled us to adapt to and ride-out the last food emergency of the Second World War.

“What is needed is a truly sustainable food plan for Britain and the world. The Soil Association is focussing energies on drawing up just such a plan and will be responding to Defra’s consultation.”