The importance of protecting decent food standards
Recently, the Agriculture Bill passed through its third reading in a virtual Parliament session, and crucially an amendment by Neil Parish (Conservative MP for Tiverton & Honiton since 2010) which would stop food imports that did not meet existing British food standards failed despite the rebellion of 22 Conservative MPs, most of whom represented rural constituencies. As it stands, this Bill if passed unamended could mean that quality food standards in the UK, and UK agriculture, are severely undermined to the detriment of the environment, public health, and animal welfare.
Why is it important to protect our high food standards, you ask?
1. To make sure the food we consume is fit for human consumption and does not have lingering side effects. Chlorine is fundamentally poisonous even in small amounts-this is why only small amounts of chlorine are used in swimming pools and this is why you should shower after going swimming (the fact this is not possible amidst the COVID-19 crisis at present notwithstanding). For the same reason it should never be used to wash chicken or any other food, which is why food washed using this method is banned throughout Europe and needs to remain banned in the UK. Hormone-fed beef is banned for similar reasons-hormones added to meat have been shown to mimic naturally occuring hormones and thus cause long-term health problems as a result. Other food additives are banned in Europe because they have been shown to be carcinogenic, such as potassium bromate (used in bread of all types in the USA).
2. To ensure British producers' livelihoods are protected. Post-transition period, our agriculture will be vital in reducing our reliance on imports and ensuring we can reliably afford quality food. Floods of cheap substandard imports could bankrupt British farms, even relatively large ones, and destroy the livelihoods of smallholders and those wanting to grow ethically sourced food. A greater availability of locally sourced food will not only be more ethical but also cheaper in the long run as transport costs will be much lower, and its environmental impact will be lower as well.
3. To minimise the environmental impact of agriculture. It is already clear how damaging current methods of food production are. There needs to be a move towards smaller farms and lower reliance on meat and fish, which will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also result in better animal welfare. Agriculture is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the northern hemisphere. The Agriculture Bill does not help achieve this and will in fact make the impact worse in practice.
Why is it important to protect our high food standards, you ask?
1. To make sure the food we consume is fit for human consumption and does not have lingering side effects. Chlorine is fundamentally poisonous even in small amounts-this is why only small amounts of chlorine are used in swimming pools and this is why you should shower after going swimming (the fact this is not possible amidst the COVID-19 crisis at present notwithstanding). For the same reason it should never be used to wash chicken or any other food, which is why food washed using this method is banned throughout Europe and needs to remain banned in the UK. Hormone-fed beef is banned for similar reasons-hormones added to meat have been shown to mimic naturally occuring hormones and thus cause long-term health problems as a result. Other food additives are banned in Europe because they have been shown to be carcinogenic, such as potassium bromate (used in bread of all types in the USA).
2. To ensure British producers' livelihoods are protected. Post-transition period, our agriculture will be vital in reducing our reliance on imports and ensuring we can reliably afford quality food. Floods of cheap substandard imports could bankrupt British farms, even relatively large ones, and destroy the livelihoods of smallholders and those wanting to grow ethically sourced food. A greater availability of locally sourced food will not only be more ethical but also cheaper in the long run as transport costs will be much lower, and its environmental impact will be lower as well.
3. To minimise the environmental impact of agriculture. It is already clear how damaging current methods of food production are. There needs to be a move towards smaller farms and lower reliance on meat and fish, which will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also result in better animal welfare. Agriculture is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the northern hemisphere. The Agriculture Bill does not help achieve this and will in fact make the impact worse in practice.
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