Sustainable farming, and fishing, means that all food is produced or caught to high environmental, animal welfare, and social standards to tackle climate change, protect nature, and provide good jobs and livelihoods. Agroecological food production systems benefit farmers and citizens alike.
Why is this important?
Environmental, health, and economic indicators suggest we are not progressing towards a sustainable and resilient agri-food system. Some scientists estimate that we are on course to meet climate tipping points in the coming years, which could significantly impact our ability to produce food.
It is clear that we need to change course and work towards a future that aligns with healthy food, fair supply chains, decent livelihoods, and agroecological farming. Across the UK, we need to work with people from all corners of the agri-food system to enable and empower this change.
“The greatest challenge for climate, for nature and for our health and wellbeing is to get our use of the land and sea on a sustainable basis and we are still too far away from that goal right now. We need strong regulation and the right kind of support so that farmers, fishers and the food industry can deliver healthy, sustainable food for all.”
Vicki Hird MSC FRES, Head of Sustainable Farming
What we're fighting for today
Strong and comprehensive implementation of the ‘public money for public goods’ approach in supporting diverse and agro-ecological farming.
Less and better meat and dairy and greater fruit, pulse and vegetable production and consumption.
Government commitments to improve fish stocks and marine ecosystems; promote fair fisheries quota allocation; and help the UK industry secure sustainable stocks and livelihoods.
Healthy and sustainable food purchasing and good food enterprise as essential contributors to the green economy and just transition.
Support for businesses to adopt a sustainable fish buying policy
Protection of existing gardens, allotments, community farms and newer models of community-based or urban growing.
Our campaigns:
Sustainable Farming Campaign campaign put agro-ecological farming, land-use fair dealing rules, and sustainable diets on the agenda of decision-makers at local and national level.
950 million meals served by caterers committing to sustainable fish in 2019 thanks to Sustainable Fish Cities.
Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics campaign ensured major supermarkets agreed to publish antibiotic use data.
Capital Growth and Good To Grow, last year community gardens harvested 225K meal portions, and 32 out of 33 London boroughs now support community food growing.
