Written by JohnSwire
Recommendations generated by the EAT Lancet Commission report will need to be used wisely to help to address the twin challenges of adequate food consumption and climate change, says Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive of the Agricultural Industries Confederation.
“The global debate is an important one, but we would like it to be viewed at a national level considering the land capability, climate and the benefits offered by the UK’s food chain, its farming systems and the nation’s landscape,” says Mr Sheasby.
“Meat and livestock products are amongst the UK’s best assets for not only achieving a balanced healthy diet for domestic and overseas needs but also in creating a balanced and healthy farming landscape.
“A dramatic shift from established national guidelines for a balanced diet including high quality red meat and animal protein, as suggested by the EAT-Lancet Commission report, needs to be carefully considered, domestically, if it is to deliver the right outcomes locally and globally for food producers and consumers alike.”
AIC Members are investing heavily in how to further reduce farm emissions as far as technically possible using up-to-date knowledge, and novel solutions, alongside the offsetting of emissions in the countryside through carbon storage in unfarmed corridors between fields and in woodlands. And through its associate the UK Former Foodstuffs Processing Association, it is working to retain over 650,000 tonnes of food products within the circular economy, rather than letting it become waste.
AIC and UK farming bodies are leading action to minimise emissions from both livestock production whilst producing high quality nutritional food to high welfare and continually improving environmental standards. Some 5000 professional advisers, trained in crop and livestock nutrition are on hand to help farmers make essential and innovative changes.
“The challenges rely on everyone consuming in moderation and reducing food waste. In this way, we can achieve national ambitions for sustainability and contribute to international goals,” concluded Mr Sheasby
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