FOOD ETHICS COUNCIL COMMENTS ON FOOD SECURITY
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has today published Food 2030, an online discussion seeking views on the future of our food system; “Food Matters: One Year On”, providing an update on progress on the 2008 Cabinet Office report; and Draft indicators for the sustainability of the food system.
Comments on these publications from Dr Tom MacMillan, executive director of the Food Ethics Council:
“Defra deserves credit for taking a systematic approach to assessing food security and acting on earlier concerns that sustainability needed to be central to that appraisal.
“The biggest challenge is to see the wood for the trees. That means recognising the roots of food insecurity stretch way outside the food sector, which raises the question of whether Defra has enough clout across government to do what’s required.
“For instance, a big factor in food insecurity is income inequality, and you can’t crack that by fiddling about with food prices. It calls for better social protection in the UK and internationally.
“Another big question mark is over climate change. One of government’s most important commitments in Food Matters was to push for European climate agreements to take account of methane and nitrous oxide from farming, yet so far all that’s happened is a seminar with the French.
“These examples suggest Defra is obliged to turn a blind eye to issues that raise questions about the fairness and sustainability of the wider economy, however important they might be. To achieve its aims, the department needs a stronger mandate from the government.”
For further information or interviews please contact Tom MacMillan on 07973137185 or tom@foodethicscouncil.org. We can provide comment on specific issues addressed in the Defra reports including water scarcity, meat/dairy and climate change, fish, labelling and research policy.
1. For details of Defra’s reports please contact the Defra press office on 0207 238 5610.
2. The Food Ethics Council is a charity that provides independent advice on ethical issues in food and farming (www.foodethicscouncil.org). Our aim is to create a food system that is fairer and healthier for people and the environment.
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