In their debate they failed to recognise the vital role that the livestock sector in Devon plays in the economy and managing the landscape, as well as ignoring the role of meat and dairy in a balanced diet.
Key role in Net Zero
In his letter, Mr Glanvill highlights the positive role that livestock farming plays and that the agricultural industry has a key role in delivering Net Zero for the country as a whole and expresses frustration that the council chose not to seek any advice when discussing such a complicated topic and ignored the conclusions of the Devon Carbon Plan.
The Carbon Plan was the result of three years of evidence gathering across the county and recognised the important role that the livestock and grassland sector has in the county, not just economically but also in managing and protecting the landscape.
ECC’s own Climate Emergency Declaration commits the authority to working with this wider plan, which suggests local authorities like ECC can support Net Zero by looking to buy local; providing meals that are balanced and incentivising sustainable food practices through their procurement procedures.
“We have some excellent livestock systems that produce high quality protein in the form of meat and dairy in very low greenhouse gas systems.”
Paul Glanvill
ECC’s own Climate Emergency Declaration commits the authority to working with this wider plan, which suggests local authorities like ECC can support Net Zero by looking to buy local; providing meals that are balanced and incentivising sustainable food practices through their procurement procedures.
“In Devon we have some excellent livestock systems that produce high quality protein in the form of meat and dairy in very low greenhouse gas systems, comparative to others around the world,” Mr Glanvill writes.
“For the avoidance of doubt we are heavily in favour of there being a choice for everyone and indeed we have some excellent farming businesses that grow fruit, vegetables and grains in Devon.
“What is important is that consumers eat a balanced diet… and there is plenty to do here via education and better signposting by the retail sector.”
The NFU has offered to discuss the matter further, to host a farm visit for councillors and boost links with local suppliers.