After years of diligent campaigning, the Soil Association has commended a ground-breaking report from the all-party Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), which recognises the importance of soil for environmental health.
The report recognises that soil is “an ecosystem in its own right” and that government departments should work together so that Defra’s 25 year plan will “place soil protection at the heart of environmental policy.”
The SA said, “Our soils are degrading at a shocking rate, so today we are delighted to see the government endorsing our campaign and taking action to save our soil.”
The new report used the Soil Association’s campaign work to identify three key areas of action to save our soils – a clear target for increasing soil organic matter, protecting lowland peat, and ending the destructive effects of maize.
Policy Director Peter Melchett says, “Despite us relying on a thin, vulnerable and deteriorating layer of soil for most of our food, this is the first all-party parliamentary committee enquiry into soil that we know of.”
Read more about the Soil Association and their campaign.
Published Tuesday 7 June 2016
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.
