Food production is key to tackling climate change

Sustainable food production is vital if global challenges of population growth and climate change are going to be tackled effectively.

Speaking at a meeting between ministers from the devolved governments in Edinburgh on Monday (11 May), DEFRA food and farming minister Jane Kennedy said it was vital the governments worked together to find sustainable ways to produce food.

“Until recently, we have not had to worry about our food security in the UK,” she said.

“We’ve taken agricultural production for granted and the proportion of our income spent on food has plummeted.

“However, the potential impact of climate change on the way we will need to live and work in the future has pushed food security up the agenda and highlighted the need to identify sustainable ways to produce, distribute and enjoy what we eat.

“UK farmers produce some of the best food in the world and are becoming increasingly aware of their impact on the environment.”

Hosted by the Scottish government, the meeting discussed opportunities for co-operation to assess food security issues and collaborative research.