Farmers in call to make nation’s diet healthier

A FARMER-LED group is urging the next government to support a shift towards healthier diets as part of wider reforms proposed to ensure a sustainable future for food production.

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) says a national diet high in salt, trans fatty acids, processed meats and sugar is contributing to the nature and climate emergency in the UK.

Ahead of the general election later this year, the organisation said it has not seen a party manifesto that meets its goals of creating a food system that feeds people well, pays farmers fairly and protects biodiversity.

Recent months have seen UK and European agriculture plunged into turmoil as farmers protest against “unfair” trading practices and increased environmental measures while they face inflationary pressures and extreme weather.

British farmers joined a protest in Westminster on Monday that saw more than 100 tractors roll past the Houses of Parliament, warning that “substandard imports and dishonest labelling” are threatening food security.

The NFFN is also calling for a fairer market for farmers and ambitious financial support packages that can help businesses and people through the green agricultural transition. Its policy road map, released yesterday, says: “Supporting a shift to more sustainable, healthier diets can help tackle much of the burden of dietary-related ill health, while supporting changes in farming and land use that are critical in securing net zero and nature’s recovery.”

The organisation recommends the next government takes a new approach to public procurement that supports increased production and consumption of nature-friendly food as well as introducing food labelling for environmental and animal welfare on all products.

As part of a seven-point policy plan, the NFFN called on politicians to build a strategy that supports the transition away from high intensity, low margin and low welfare industrial livestock production and consumption.