With the government’s food and farming policy under some scrutiny, it is always refreshing to see new initiatives to allow ‘grass roots’ opinion to get to the right place.
I was invited by AFN Networks to provide some expert witness presentations on Natural Capital and renewable energy opportunities to a panel of farmers from across the UK. The jury of farmers were well informed, and their cross examination certainly ensured the discussion had both breadth and depth.
With a focus on net zero, it was impressive to see how they were working at both on farm carbon data analysis and onward food chain interactions to get a clear picture of carbon balance sheets.
As the Land Use Framework consultation closes, I think we will need more meaningful data on the food production opportunity costs of nature recovery and renewable energy needs – there is certainly room for all, but how they overlap will be the challenge – reassuringly, this farmer jury saw that as an opportunity.
The farmer jury approach is worthwhile and professional. We are in desperate need of more ‘coal face’ input into DEFRA policy. The jury were clearly progressive, positive and open-minded farmers with food production at the heart of their business but seeking new markets for other land uses.
When it comes to stakeholder consultation, we can certainly learn from this.
Read the report here
James Attrill
