NSA disappointed at “lack of government commitment” to food security
Chief executive of the National Sheep Association (NSA), Phil Stocker has commented on a “lack of commitment from the British Government” surrounding support for the UK food and agricultural sectors.
The NSA continues to be frustrated by the lack of Government commitment to UK agriculture and food security, along with “the poor recognition” that agriculture is the key to tackling climate change, and could, with the right incentives do far more.
Stocker said that British agriculture is making “huge progress” to tackle climate change, in many cases more than most other industries. He said: “We must not forget that while agriculture accounts for 10% of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this [considers] emissions only and the figure takes no account of the carbon held in soil, hedgerows, shelterbelts, trees and even wool, that is provided and created by farming.”
The NSA pointed out that the UK agricultural industry, when it comes to environmental impact, falls behind sectors such as transport, which accounts for 24% of GHG emissions, and energy supply, which makes up 21%.
Stocker continued: “Farms could do so much more with the right incentives, to reduce methane emissions and further reduce reliance on fossil fuel based inputs. We could also massively increase carbon sequestration opportunities in and around farmland but this does require financial incentives and reward, because at the moment many of these things either cost or reduce the output of the farm.
“We are seeing time and again a lack of commitment from the British Government and support for the agriculture industry. We must make farming and food security a priority for the health of the nation but also as a key component in tackling climate change.”
Stoker said that Rishi Sunak’s Government must begin to deliver on promises made in August this year. He explained: “The wider industry is tackling huge supply chain volatility, extreme spikes in input costs and crippling regulation along with labour shortages that have been ongoing since Brexit. NSA is urging the Government to move into action now or risk crippling the industry that feeds the nation for good.”
LMC and Linden Foods showcase cost saving recipes
HCC publishes festive resources for Welsh butcher shops
