Bolstering local supply chains is key to building a resilient future food system, according to a new report.
Developed by a coalition of NGOs, the ‘Local food growth plan’ calls for dedicated action plans to be established for each region of the UK, backed by investment in policies to support local food retail and processing infrastructure.
The plan cites research showing how local food systems can deliver a number of benefits. These range from strengthening local economies, increasing farm profitability and encouraging the uptake of nature-friendly farming to creating better jobs in the supply chain, connecting producers with communities and enabling a more accessible and reliable supply of healthy and affordable food
The publication of the collaborative plan for action is the culmination of two years’ research and consultation with food supply chain stakeholders working at place-based, national and UK-wide scales.
Coordinated by Sustain, the Landworkers’ Alliance, the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Pasture for Life and the Sustainable Food Trust, and funded by the Rothschild Foundation, the plan challenges what the group argues is an overreliance on food imports in the context of changing climates and shocks to global supply chains that have increased input costs for food producers and exposed power imbalances between farmers, processors, manufacturers and retailers.
One of seven key priorities identified in the plan is for governments to use the power of public procurement to grow the local food sector and economy. It calls for Defra to ensure UK Government buying standards for all foods are updated to reflect Labour’s manifesto commitment that 50% of food procured is locally produced or certified to higher environmental standards and for a roadmap to be created to meet the ambition. It also urges local authorities to adopt a target of 50% local and sustainable food, in line with the central government commitment.
The plan also calls for the Groceries Code Adjudicator to be strengthened and for a national strategy to be developed to support the edible horticulture sector.
“The power of local, agroecological and farmer-led supply chains to transform our food system is evident, driving innovation and collaboration across food supply networks that deliver ecological benefits, green jobs and public health benefits,” said Vera Zakharov, local action coordinator at Sustain.
“In the face of UK and global supply chain risks such as climate and geopolitical instabilities, we need to enable a diversified and resilient UK food system. Now is the time for political leadership, including UK and devolved nation governments as well as regional mayors, to put local food at the heart of devolution, economic growth and community prosperity agendas.”
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