In times of dramatic change and uncertainty, a strong vision of the path forward is needed. Two reports recently published by the UK Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (RSA) provide this vision for the food and farming systems of the UK. This effort, although focused on a specific part of the world, also provides an example of how to frame the transformative change needed to move toward sustainability. One report is titled Our Future in the Land, offering an urgent call for designing systems of food and farming and rural governance that prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the immediate future. The other report Field Guide for the Future, builds on the first by providing examples of the innovative actions and initiatives that are already building the groundwork upon which change must occur.
Both reports map out a needed path to transformative change in the food systems of the UK, a path that is already being followed by a significant number of small farmers, their communities, and the people who eat their food. The first report identifies three critical and interlocking areas where a radical rethink and practical actions are required:
-Healthy food is every body’s business: When fairness for all parts of the food system is the focus, good food becomes good business. Sustainably growing the supply of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses in the UK brings local foods back into everyday eating. Creating a comprehensive public procurement system can transform the market. Collaborative community food plans can help inform national food strategies that reconnect people to their food, as well as to nature in which agriculture is imbedded in order to boost health and wellbeing.
-Farming is a force for change: A proposal is presented for the design of a ten-year plan for the transition to agroecological farming by 2030. Farmers become the leaders in innovative change. A farmer to farmer system of peer mentors and farmer support networks must be developed. Supporting producer organizations is key to promoting the transition to sustainability, but it must also be accelerated by the establishment of a National Agroecology Development Bank.
-A Countryside that works for all: A national land use framework for England would inspire cooperation based on public value of land and multi-functionality. Rural economies need investment in local skills, knowledge and infrastructure. A regenerative economy provides more good work and opportunity. Sustainable solutions to rural housing needs are part of this plan. The young people of the future are key, and a National Nature Service that gives youth ways to explore and energize the transition to sustainability is essential.
A framework for change is also proposed, using all the tools the country has at its disposal, strengthened by a sense of the new leadership needed, to work together with haste and purpose to deal with the challenges facing the world today. The second publication, Field Guide for the Future, paints a more optimistic picture of a future that works for all. It shares the many stories and insights from the RSA’s inquiries around the country, where people have already taken up the challenge and are bringing that future to life.
Agroecological thinking is used throughout both reports, from the holistic ecosystem approach to food and farming systems, to the promotion of agroecological farming practices and systems, to the call for a National Agroecology Development Bank to accelerate and stimulate a fair and sustainable transition to the future. To see the complete report, visit https://www.thersa.org/discover/publications-and-articles/reports/future-land.
The documentation of the transition, in all parts of the food and farming system, is the kind of agroecological action our journal is looking for.