New alliance launches Countryside COP

The week of events, taking place 11-15 October 2021, will bring together a range of individuals, organisations, scientists and other experts to demonstrate what the industry has achieved so far, and how it can do even more to maximise the contribution of agriculture and land use to a net-zero economy.

The event takes place ahead of global environmental conference COP26, which the UK is hosting in November.

Rural and agri-food organisations are invited to take part and host their own seminars as part of the Countryside COP to tell the story of their successes, challenges and opportunities for climate mitigation and net-zero action.

Collaborative effort

The Alliance stated: “All of us have a part to play on the road to net zero, and we are stronger when working together. The Countryside COP is an opportunity for everyone with an interest in the countryside and rural economy to come together and speak out about the real and tangible outcomes of our journey to net zero.

“This journey is complex, but there is no shortage of professionalism and knowledge within the rural community, and all who support food and farming. This is the time to utilise and invest in this expertise so we can help contribute to the government’s net-zero target, all while continuing to produce fantastic, affordable food for people at home and abroad.

“This is a chance to really showcase the important role of UK agriculture and climate-friendly food production in reaching our national net-zero ambitions, and how we can all contribute to a positive future for our planet.”

NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts added: “We are delighted to be involved in the relaunch of the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan under the new name of the Agriculture & Land Use Alliance. Collaboration is essential to make sure we can facilitate widespread action on the ground, which can underpin the key role agriculture can play in delivering the UK’s net-zero ambition.

“The Alliance is a key part of the collaborative drive and this first Countryside COP is a fantastic opportunity to put the rural community on the climate map and show farming as a genuine part of the solution to climate change.”

Focus on climate change

No COP would be complete without addressing the impacts of climate change. Therefore, the Countryside COP will also host events that focus on resilience and explore the synergies between adaptation and mitigation.

The Countryside COP event team will be collating event outcomes and recommendations for policy makers, researchers, investors, the supply chain and the whole rural economy.

Beyond the Countryside COP, the Alliance will drive and sustain the collaboration needed between all parties in food and farming, to turn knowledge and confidence into action.

Individuals and organisations interested in hosting an event can find out more and submit their event proposal via Countryside COP October 2021 – CFE Online or by emailing bmV0emVyb0BuZnUub3JnLnVr.