Patricia Crawford reports
Farming – inextricably linked to our food security – may be about to suffer yet another blow if the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) policy for period up to 2050 hangs in limbo. Farming, like any industry, needs stability aligned to opportunity to plan ahead. Possibly, by the time KHD goes to print Westminster will be more stable and rural businesses will be able to rely on Defra reportage.
‘Regenerative’ isn’t merely a buzzword, it embraces practices that are absolutely vital to the future of food production. Explained very simply, it includes ways of producing food that take count of the long-term future of the environment aligned to society’s needs with due consideration for the economy. Tall order bearing in mind it is estimated that by 2050 we shall need to produce 40% more food while at the same time reducing carbon emissions. Regenerative farming will be absolutely essential if this target is to be achieved.
The extreme weather we have experienced recently served to draw attention to the importance of achieving net-zero levels (check out the UN’s Race to Zero Campaign). Bear in mind that about 40% of the food consumed in this country is currently imported, a large proportion from countries that are also experiencing extreme weather conditions. It doesn’t require scientific analysis to comprehend how this will affect our ability to continue importing at the current rate. We need our farmers and growers to step up production but in turn they need our support and appreciation. The KHD area of distribution includes some brilliant farmers and growers; let’s pledge recognition of the vastly important contributions they make.
Date for diary: The Kent Country Show (https://www.thekentcountryshow.co.uk/) Quex Park, Birchington. Sunday 30/Monday 31 August, 10am – 5pm. Dogs, heavy horses, birds of prey, classic cars, wrestling and rural crafts.
This month’s jargon buster: Carbon Calculator. Calculators, generally available online, are used for greenhouse gas emissions and also estimate carbon captured from the atmosphere and stored in the soil (sequestration).