The Grow Back Better report advocates a response to the climate, nature and health crises that is as ‘radical and rapid’ as the response to Covid-19 has been.
The report warns the wrong ‘green recovery’ choices from policymakers could have a negative impact on food, farming and land-use.
Helen Browning, chief executive of the Soil Association, said: “It feels to me as if the coronavirus pandemic is nature giving humanity one last chance to stop, take stock and to set a new course.
“Our Grow Back Better road map sets out the urgent tasks ahead of us all to ensure food, farming and land use becomes a major part of the solution, rather than the huge problem it is often perceived as.
“We know there is an appetite for change amongst citizens, farmers and many businesses, but the wrong choices by policy makers at this moment could lock us into damaging directions of travel.
“It’s a make or break moment. We are clear where we need to get to; we just need the right government support to get us there.”
The report outlines how to accelerate the transition to net-zero and regenerate wildlife and soils while enhancing the health and wellbeing of the population. It looks a decade ahead, identifying the investment priorities and policy levers that will deliver change, and the pitfalls that must be avoided.
The Grow Back Batter report details ten priorities, including:
- Transform livestock farming to dramatically reduce the risks of pandemics and antimicrobial resistance, resulting in a ‘good life’ for all farmed animals, cutting antibiotic use by 90%
- Exceed Europe’s ambition to halve pesticide use and grow organic farming to 25% farmed land by 2030
- Instigate a farmer-led tree planting revolution with over 5% of farmed land under agroforestry systems by 2030
- Increase farmer-led innovation and professional development – shift from agrichemical to agroecological R&D and knowledge sharing
- Turn soil from carbon sources into carbon sinks for climate resilience, and increase soil organic matter across all UK farms year-on-year
- Scale up fruit, veg, pulses and nut production by investing in UK horticulture
- Set ambition to cut ultra-processed food in the UK diet as France has done, so that ultra-processed foods form no more than 15% of the national UK diet
- Set bold public procurement targets, improving food quality and increasing organic procurement
- Ensure every child eats a healthy diet and gets a world class food education – for health, climate and nature
- Rebuild resilient, regional food supply chains and stop the deforestation often associated with UK animal feed
The Soil Association is already ‘pioneering’ many of the initiatives outlined in the manifesto, from farmer led innovation to supporting agroforestry and improving school meals.
To read the full report, click on the document below: