Sustainable production of healthy, affordable food in the UK: The pros and cons of plasticulture

This paper is submitted to the FES Special Issue on Food Security. It focusses on two current issues, namely the need for a food system revolution for the UK and the possibility that UK can become more self-sufficient in food. The increased production of healthy food (more fruit and vegetables) is particularly important. Possibilities for new food production systems are discussed and there is some focus on the topical issue of plastic pollution with particular reference to methods of protected cropping. The accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soil is currently causing some environmental and health concerns. In the light of current global challenges the resilience of our food system is important. AbstractAn evolving green agenda as the UK seeks to achieve ‘net zero’ in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, coupled with our new trading relationship with the European Union, is resulting in new government policies, which will be disruptive to Britain's traditional food and farming practices. These policies encourage sustainable farming and land-sparing to restore natural habitats and will provide an opportunity to address issues such as high emissions of GHGs and dwindling biodiversity resulting from many intensive agricultural practices. To address these and other food challenges such as global conflicts and health issues, Britain will need a rev olution in its food system. The aim of this paper is to make the case for such a food revolution where addi...
Source: Food and Energy Security - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research