Bridging the Gap: with a horticultural revolution

Organic food that is good for health, for the planet and affordable for all hits a number of health and climate targets that the UK is committed to. However, policy commitments that would enable everyone, regardless of their income level, to access climate friendly fruit and vegetables, don’t follow through. Sustain’s Bridging the Gap is exploring how these issues can be addressed.

Organic farming accounts for 3% of total land use in the UK and an even smaller percentage is horticultural. Achieving the public health goal of seven portions of fruit and veg per day would require a 66% increase in UK production and yet the horticulture sector gets little public money. A horticulture strategy would bring gains for public health, for the environment and nature with more diverse and sustainably grown produce, for good jobs and enterprise in new businesses. Despite the need, the horticulture strategy was suddenly dropped by the government in May 2023. As well as support for existing horticulture farmers, we need support for new entrants and farmers making the transition climate friendly practices, and more education routes for those keen to enter.

Join us as we discuss how horticulture can be supported to enable access to climate and nature friendly food for all. In this online talk, you will hear from expert speakers on the subject of horticulture in the UK and the related policy commitments required to make organic food accessible to all. 

There will be plenty of opportunities to raise issues and ask questions of your own, so please register today to join the discussion.

 

Chair:

• Will White, Sustainable Farming Coordinator, Sustain

Speakers:

• Rebecca Laughton, Landworkers Alliance
• Carolyn Coxe, Soil Association
• Tenesia Pascal, Earth to Earth Organics
• John McCormick, Helen's Bay Organic farm