Policy work
The Soil Association believes in healthy soil, healthy people and healthy planet. We champion the unique and necessary role of organic farming and food production and have a working goal of ‘Organic by 2050’. This drives our policy and campaigns which promote the following:
- The unique and necessary role of organic production
- Climate friendly food delivered through local climate friendly agriculture
- A resilient and sustainable production of food
- A transformation of food culture
- A transformation in the health of the nation
In Scotland, we are taking this forward through our practical programme work around Food for Life, Supply Chain, Crofting Connections and our Climate Change Support Programme.
But we also work to shape UK, Scottish and regional policy to ensure that our message is heard. In Scotland our campaigns and policy work is addressing:
Climate stability
We are practically supporting farmers and food producers to adapt to climate change. Alongside this we are championing and promoting the important role agriculture plays in sequestering carbon and the particular effectiveness of organic farming methods which on average fixes 28% more carbon than non organic farming. We also work to increase awareness that organic farming reduces emissions per unit of output.
We have recently published important new research on the huge potential of agriculture - and organic farming in particular - to lock away carbon in soils; you can read it here.
On 25 February 2010 we shall be holding a Soil Carbon Seminar in Edinburgh for policy-makers, farmers and environmental groups. This will discuss the findings and scope out how Scotland can play a leading role in developing climate friendly farming. To register interest in this event contact Erika Martin:
E: emartin@soilassociation.org
T: 0131 666 2474
Food security
The National Food and Drink Policy for Scotland highlights how Scotland needs to improve its food security. The Soil Association Scotland believes that Scotland should be developing a sustainable food system based on local or indeed regional food production. We would like to see more organic food production in Scotland and more local food on our tables. We can deliver this through organic production and will be presenting the case for a change in diet, and the role of organic farming in developing resilience to energy and water constraints.
To take this forward we are doing the following in 2010:
- Our Policy Director is part of the Implementation Group for Recipe for Success, the National Food and Drink Policy for Scotland;
- Our Policy Director and Agricultural Development Officer are part of the working group taking forward the drafting of the Organic Action Plan;
- Our Head of Scotland Office is working with a range of partners on the development of Nourish: A Sustainable Food Network for Scotland;
- We are part of the Government led, Grow your Own Working Group for Scotland
- Continue to contribute to the Cross Party Working Group on Food and Drink
Hugh Raven, Policy Director for Scotland recently submitted evidence to the Pack Enquiry on how financial support to agriculture and rural development can best be tailored to deliver the Scottish Government's purpose of sustainable economic growth. The findings from the inquiry will allow the Scottish Government to take informed policy decisions which shape the future direction of agricultural support payments in Scotland. This can be read via the link below.
Public Health
We believe organic food should be at the heart of a healthy diet and one which is available to all. Central to this we know that local food, food which does not come with food miles attached to it, is the best way to deliver this healthy diet and a healthy planet.
We have continually working in Scotland on driving up nutritional standards and were active in the development of the Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008 as well as “Recipe for Success”
In 2010 we will continue to drive forward our agenda on this through:
- Developing the Food for Life Programme in Scotland where we are supporting those who are feeding the public to improve their practice and receive recognition through the Catering Mark:
- Develop our knowledge around the supply of organic and local food through our Supply Chain work;
- Support the development of Nourish: A sustainable food network for Scotland
Work alongside key partners such as One Planet Food and Community Food and Health Scotland to raise awareness and campaign for change.