Thank you for contacting me about the Plant Based Treaty.
What we eat and drink, and how and where it is made, is part of our nation’s story. It provides employment opportunities, contributes to local economies, shapes the landscapes we all value and engenders local pride and identity, right across the UK. I am keen to support local producers and suppliers of the Island as much as possible.
The Government advocates for a healthy balanced diet, based on the national food model the Eatwell Guide. Meat and dairy can both be an important part of a balanced diet, which should also include more fibre, fruit and vegetables. My ministerial colleagues have considered the evidence of Henry Dimbleby’s Independent Review and have been working to identify new opportunities to make the food system healthier, more sustainable, more resilient, and more accessible for those across the UK.
The Government’s Food Strategy sets out the importance of maintaining and boosting our food security. It commits to broadly maintaining the current level of food that we produce domestically and boosting production in sectors where there are the biggest opportunities, such as horticulture and seafood. Through harnessing new technologies and innovation, we will grow and eat more of our own food, which will unlock jobs across the country, grow the economy and help to reduce pressure on food prices. I understand that the Government accepts the majority of the recommendations of the review, with policy initiatives to boost health, sustainability and accessibility of diet to secure food supply.
Further, the Government is introducing three environmental land management schemes that reward farmers and land managers for producing public goods: the Sustainable Farming Incentive, Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery. Together, these schemes are intended to provide a powerful vehicle for achieving the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan.
Finally, the UK was the first major economy to set a legally binding net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050. The UK’s sixth carbon budget has been enshrined in law, with a target that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78 per cent by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.
I am keen to see the Island’s economy become more circular with Islanders buying local produce more often. In addition to cutting waste, this would reduce our food miles and support the Island’s local farmer, fisheries and other important industries.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.