The Sustain alliance advocates for climate and nature-friendly farming and better routes to market in the UK. Food producers should receive a fair price, workers the real living wage, and all citizens access to affordable healthy food. We call on all political parties to put good food at the heart of their policy making.
One in seven workers in the UK is employed in the food system which contributes over £120 billion to the UK economy. Food and farming are critical for our national security. However, the way our food is produced currently creates multiple problems, when it could be driving solutions.
Rather than start from scratch, we recommend that any new government administration revisit the independent National Food Strategy. It is comprehensive and has actionable policies that have the widespread support of our sector.
Our priorities are set out in this Manifesto and include:
- More support for agroecological farming and better routes to market in the UK.
- Food included in local and national climate and nature emergency plans and a halt to the expansion of factory farming.
- Healthy school food for all and an expansion of the school fruit and veg scheme.
- Expansion of Healthy Start and cash-first solutions to household food insecurity.
- Sustainable and healthy public sector food.
- Mandatory measures to get companies making food and drink healthier, and protecting children from unhealthy food and drink advertising and marketing.
- Establishment of a food partnership in every area across the UK.
- Real Bread on the menu of every school and more support for smaller Real Bread bakeries and their communities.
This page was updated with the latest version of the Sustain manifesto on June 4th.
Published Tuesday 4 June 2024
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
