I believe in an ecosystem – aware approach. This approach embraces a goal of building long term food resilience and not just focusing on productivity and trade. Our agricultural, economic, health, environment, education and infrastructure policies should be connected.
It is clear to me that the connection between the town and the country, the land and the people, between the farmers and the consumers needs to be strengthened. The more produce that is grown/made and eaten locally.
The greater our control over our food source means our food security, our local control over the quality and price of locally sold food are greater.
Finding ways for smallholders and allotment growers to distribute their excess fruit and vegetables to the general public should be encouraged.
Personally, I am involved in a horticulture project “Grow” (behind Surville cemetery) which is creating a community orchard. It is essentially a place to relax, a nature reserve and a food resource.
- How are you preparing for the predicted food price increases?
Increases in the price of food disproportionately impact the most vulnerable in our society. I will continue to support free school meals for all children and fund the meals on wheels offered to the elderly. However the price of imported food is always out of our control so our aim has to be to protect the most vulnerable and produce and distribute as much local produce as possible at an affordable price. To have farmers markets selling directly to the public and to encourage a culture where fresh local food is highly valued. A local preference for locally grown produce also supports the local growing community and local food system.
Food availability depends on both cultivated and natural systems.
Engagement with the fishing industry and supporting this sustainable industry in supplying healthy food from a source which completely surrounds us should be a priority. This food source has historically been an invaluable and reliable food resource in previous times of food crisis.
I would like as many people as possible to contribute in some small way in food production, in gardens on balconies, small holdings and allotments. The impact of each individual grower is small but the overall contribution can be significant. Even as small as growing basil food, for example, on the kitchen windowsill.
Reducing general food waste, we are long overdue to tackle this strategically. For example, unsold supermarket products being thrown away is an unethical waste that serves no purpose and needs to be discouraged. We already have supermarkets in Jersey voluntarily donate unsold food and hope all others will follow the example or we might need to bring a law, similar to France.
There are several countries, like Austria, Sweden and Finland that are recognised for their sustainable food systems. For example, Finland lodged a climate program “ Steps towards climate friendly food” to support sustainability of the Finnish food system.
I would like to see our parks, wherever possible planted with fruit and nut trees. I would like to see our future parks and green spaces planted with lots of edibles: fruits, veggies and herbs. It is even possible some of our public parks have a history of being orchards in the past. I think “Edible Landscapes” could work well in Jersey.