by Anne MacLennan
An impressive group of scientists, academics and policy makers recently published an alarming article to raise awareness of the rising risk of acute food shocks in the UK. A food shock is when food is suddenly unavailable and/or prices rocket, with potential social unrest. The authors describe existing chronic social, political and environmental issues which make our food system vulnerable.
They then map out pathways to crisis if triggered by climate change, conflict and / or cyber attack. The motivation for this project was concern at the lack of preparedness from Government through to communities, despite recognising the increasing food system risks in our world.
Using these pathways, the researchers then identified interventions to build food system resilience and lessen the risk of crisis. Coordinated actions at community, public policy and government levels are required. National and global system-wide action is called for, but they also emphasise the importance of diversification in food production, supply chains, food distribution and diet. Agro-ecology and regenerative agriculture improve resilience to extreme weather. The problems are interconnected and so should the solutions be, hence the need for much more coordination and inclusivity to avert crises.
However, many people around the country are already rising to the challenge. For instance, Sustainable Food Places is a network of food partnerships working across UK food systems since 2013. Last year, they published a report to show how these partnerships are tackling climate change at a local level. Production, distribution and consumption of food has a huge impact on climate, nature and health, therefore addressing our food systems can benefit both people and planet. Nourish Scotland, itself a charity focused on food policy and practice, is the Sustainable Food Places delivery partner supporting network development in Scotland. These partnerships are cross-sector, linking local authorities, health boards, growers, retailers and hospitality, recognising the social, environmental, and economic impacts of food. Miesbeth from Nourish Scotland will be on Skye to talk about Sustainable Food Places and to share other food information from her stall at our Feel, Heal, Real Food information dayon 25th April in Broadford.
The role of agroecology is outlined in the Soil Association’s No drought about it report, describing climate resilience in agriculture. Their 10-point plan for building resilience into UK farming includes national planning, soil management, reduced synthetic inputs, agroforestry protection for crops, livestock and environment, through to fairer supply chains for farmers.
Surely resilience would safeguard children’s food, so it is interesting to read of a focus on planet-friendly school meals as a means of promoting climate-resilient agriculture and enhancing local food production and security. The mainly African authors cite examples from what we might regard as less-developed nations, but there could lessons for us with the described smallholdings translated to crofts and community gardens. And what about hospital meals and other public procurement?
Our current food system is vulnerable because of complex supply chains, dependence on imported food, and ‘just in time’ delivery amongst other factors. For example, 90% of UK households buy bananas (mostly grown in India). Retailers keep banana prices down to attract customers, while charging higher prices for home-grown fruit thus encouraging imports and disincentivising local produce with potentially simpler supply chains. Check where your Co-op blueberries or strawberries–and most of the apples–come from and consider the climate implications of fossil-fuelled transport and plastic packaging.
Time for a rethink. Come to Feel, Heal, Real Food and talk about it.
Saturday 25 April, 11 am – 4 pm at Broadford Village Hall.
