An intrinsic right to healthy food
Congratulations to the Agri-Food for Net Zero Network+ on the delivery of their Roadmap for Resilience: A UK Food Plan for 2050.
This is a masterful piece of work linking together many of the agencies and disciplines of government and into a unitary vision for transformation of the food system in the UK. One of its strengths has been the construction of quantitative scenario models defining future patterns of land use and food production. All scenarios pivot around arriving at carbon net zero by 2050, which is a national commitment that the nation needs to meet if it is to claim global leadership in mitigating climate change. This report shows how leadership can be realised despite food systems, including agricultural production, currently contributing a whopping 38% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The roadmap proposes three core transformations, five key messages and ten priority actions, each recognising different levels of detail. Transformations are needed across many sectors, in society and in the economy. These changes will bring long term benefits to the nation’s health, farming businesses, to a resilient food supply and a diverse countryside. There follow some reflections from having attended the launch in Westminster on Wednesday, focusing on horticulture in the Roadmap.
It is pleasing to see the importance of a massive growth in home-grown edible horticulture in all net zero scenarios (except the status quo). In the “Self sufficiency for security” scenario, the increase is 400%, but in most scenarios growth needs to be 50% plus. These figures align with the recent updated EAT-Lancet report [1] which projects the need for a global increase of 63% in fruit, vegetable, and nut production above 2020 levels. For a UK industry which has been declining in area for decades, this is both a welcome fillip and a tall order. What needs to come next is a plan for how such growth can be realised.
It was made clear that new technologies (such as robotics and agri-tech) will help, but much more is needed. Society needs to embrace a diet with more fruits and vegetables, and national infrastructure planning needs to recognise the value of horticulture. The Roadmap provides a framework for transformations. Warwick Crop Centre’s policy unit for horticulture is pleased to offer strategic support.
Aside from the specifics of the changes needed in different sectors of land use, the discussion emphasised the magnitude of the task of winning hearts and minds. Several speakers identified the need for a core narrative, perhaps a high level goal. The report itself uses ethical tools to promote parts of the transformation, talking of natural justice and a right to food. I think this captures the vision in a narrative we can all sign up to, “everyone’s intrinsic right to healthy food”.
As a lead narrative “everyone’s intrinsic right to healthy food” does not carry the flag for net zero, but encouraging a healthier diet by providing easier access to fresh fruit and vegetables is covering a large part of the transformation challenge.Besides, it was mentioned that the target of net zero no longer has traction as a driver for change on its own. A message based on health, food and everyone’s personal rights might be helpful. And healthy food is what the horticulture sector does well.
Also relevant to the horticulture sector is the need in all net zero plans to restore lowland peat.Lowland peat supports large amounts of fresh produce production. A just transformation needs to realise the value of horticulture in UK food production. Moving production from rich soils and specialist farms to new areas without either will need support. Fortunately, the Roadmap does emphasise the need for a reform of agricultural subsidies (priority action 1).
Historically, horticultural businesses have not done well from farming subsidy arrangements. Defra is reviewing the shape and direction of future subsidy payments. With a growth in the edible horticulture sector now recognised as an area of key national interest, there is an onus on ensuring that future government support encourages growth and additional investment in this dynamic sector of the UK economy.
Ten priority actions capture the needs of food system transformation. Most relevant to the horticulture sector are:
· Establish transition funds for farm businesses, providing grants and low-interest loans for diversification and infrastructure.
· Support UK horticulture expansion with industrial strategy and capital grants for infrastructure to meet a projected five-fold increase in production.
· Reform subsidies to reward sequestration, biodiversity improvement and sustainable production aligned with nutritional needs.
· Create structural adjustment mechanisms for communities most affected by transition.
All these could and should help the horticulture sector transform and grow, and they are necessary developments if we are to realise our intrinsic right to home-grown, fresh and healthy food.
