84 food, farming, fair trade, poverty, animal welfare, wildlife and environmental organisations, including the Food Research Collaboration, have co-signed a letter calling for government to adopt common-sense food, farming and fishing policies that are good for jobs, health and the environment, when planning for Brexit.
The letter is addressed to Prime Minister Theresa May and David Davis MP, the Minister currently overseeing a new Unit advising the Government and PM on the post EU Referendum strategy. Signatories on behalf of the FRC are Professor Corinna Hawkes (Chair) and Professor Tim Lang (Founder and Special Advisor).
As the letter points out, better food, farming and trade policies can help to cut greenhouse gas emissions from farming and food industries by 80% by 2050, and promote healthier diets to combat heart disease, cancers, diabetes and obesity, saving the NHS, and ultimately taxpayers millions. Such policies can also support a vibrant and diverse economy, supporting good jobs and working conditions, in the UK and overseas.
Further, the UK could prioritise ethical and sustainable production methods, improved animal welfare, more farmland and marine wildlife, a healthy future for bees and other pollinators, as well as enhancing the beauty of the countryside and protecting the environment, whilst also providing a safe and traceable food supply.
The letter has already been mentioned in several media outlets, including The Grocer and The Guardian.