News • Sustainable Farming Campaign
New report shows how agro-ecology farming and diets can feed the world
A new report launched by the Soil Association today shows how an organically farmed Europe can feed a growing population a healthy diet.
The 'Ten Years for Agroecology in Europe' report models a future where farming in Europe can respond to climate change, phase out pesticides and maintain vital biodiversity, whilst providing a sufficient and healthy diet for a growing population.
Report findings
'Ten Years For Agroecology in Europe' finds that a wholesale transition to agroecology would:
• feed the European population healthily
• maintain export capacity
• reduce Europe’s global food footprint
• result in a 40% reduction in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions
• help to restore biodiversity and to protect natural resources
The aithors are clear also that a transition to a fully agroecological Europe will require dietary change, particularly a shift towards 'less and better meat', with diets reorientated around plant-based proteins and higher welfare grass-fed livestock.
The Soil Association is urging the Government to support the transition through The Agriculture Bill by establishing agroecology as the underlying principle of farming in England, rewarding farmers for employing agroecological systems such as organic.
The report can be downloaded here.
Published Wednesday 20 February 2019
Sustainable Farming Campaign: Sustain encourages integration of sustainable food and farming into local, regional and national government policies.
