Two useful reports on the possibilities for agriculture post-Brexit have been commissioned by the Green MEP for the Southwest, Molly Scott-Cato -- 'in the absence of a government plan', as she says. Both have links to the Sustain Alliance: one is from Sustain member the Soil Association, the other from smallholder and agricultural campaigner Simon Fairlie, with input from the Landworkers' Alliance.
The reports agree on key points -- and diverge on some of the detail. Both envision a future in which soil health is protected and enhanced; where biodiversity and animal welfare are improved; and where land use contributes to mitigating the impacts of climate change. They also agree on the need to maintain or increase the amount currently received by farmers through the Common Agriculture Policy, with the funds re-targeted towards rewarding farmers not landowners, and focused on providing funding for advice, training and farmer-led research and innovation.
Read the Soil Association report here, Simon Fairlie's report here, and Molly Scott-Cato's summary report here.
Read Sustain's manifesto for a greener, fairer, healthier food system here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
