Sustain and RSPB are calling on the Government to back a new Local Food Infrastructure fund to provide strategic support for local, nature-friendly and agroecological food systems.
In a new report published by the two organisations, they find a 10% shift of retail market share towards sustainable, local food businesses could create an additional 200,000 jobs, while simultaneously supporting a green economic recovery and restoring nature.
The Case for Local Food shows producers and customers in local food systems are motivated by environmental benefits and that production is associated with agroecological, nature-friendly methods.
Key findings and recommendations of the report include:
- A 10% shift in the food retail market towards more sustainable local food systems could yield up to 200,000 more jobs
- £2bn of national and local food procurement contracts could be unlocked with the help of a new Local Food Infrastructure Fund from the Government
- Every local authority area in the UK should be served by a food partnership by 2025.
About Sustain
Sustain champions food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, promote equity and enrich society and culture.
About RSPB
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a charitable organisation which works to promote conservation and protection of birds and the wider environment through public awareness campaigns, petitions and through the operation of nature reserves throughout the United Kingdom.
