The Future Of Food And Farming

The Future Of Food And Farming - Pasture For Life

partner logos — Consensus food and farming partner organisations

Agreement Reached by Farmers And Environmentalists

Pasture for Life has signed a declaration on the future of food and farming, along with a broad alliance of farmer and environmental groups which came together at the beginning of the year during two Oxford farming conferences. Why is this so significant? Signed by a number of key organisations, this agreement creates a firm alliance between farming and conservation – very different to where we were just a few years ago – and a consensus for working towards nature-friendly farming that will improve people’s health, support farmer livelihoods, enhance rural areas and restore nature.

How we produce enough food for the country while taking nature and rural livelihoods into account has divided opinion, therefore reaching a consensus with so many groups and interests on the future of food and farming is a real achievement. Signatories include large environmental groups such as WWF and the RSPB, farming organisations including the Soil Association and the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, as well as the National Trust and Eating Better among others that have joined this landmark alliance.

Overview Of The Alliance’s Vision

To work with nature not against it – Restoring the environment and preventing farming’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, and providing an adequate and healthy food supply are not mutually exclusive. Space for nature alongside food production is essential for the health and productive capacity of the land.

To break dependency on artificial inputs and fossil fuels – Reduction in pesticide and herbicide usage for the health of the soil, waterways and wider environment, with farming using natural processes while at the same time reducing business costs for farmers.

To restore the soil – Food production starts with healthy soil, this will mean an ongoing role for livestock to build soil fertility alongside changes to tillage, a wider range of crop rotations and practices such as cover cropping.

Innovation in the right direction – Technology should be harnessed towards improving the food and farming system rather than magnifying existing problems, while investment should go to regenerative farming practices that build on tried-and-tested traditional husbandry.