The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has criticised ministers’ apparent endorsement of the Lancet's report on health and climate change, saying that it demonstrates poor judgement and a lack of government co-ordination.
The report offers simplistic solutions “without recognising the complex challenges the food system faces or the strategies and practical measures that the industry is developing with DEFRA”.
NFU president Peter Kendall said the Lancet report, which has been backed by a number of ministers, was another example of government departments not working together. It appears the department most closely involved with food issues - DEFRA - has not been involved.
Kendall said: “Farmers will be angry that yet again we have an ill-informed and simplistic report which appears to completely misunderstand agriculture's emissions and its role in climate change. But the most unbelievable thing is that this report appears to have been put together without any input from the one government department that deals in food policy and understands the issues - DEFRA.
“We know this is a complex issue and that is why DEFRA has been looking at it. This report advocates a 30 per cent reduction in livestock numbers in countries that have the most efficient production systems and hence the lowest emissions. It is part funded by the department of health and endorsed by three ministers, with no thought for the unintended consequences of such a policy.
“The car industry is praised for producing more efficient and environment-friendly vehicles rather than being told to cut production. Likewise, a substantial investment in agricultural research and development is needed to enable farmers to produce food more efficiently with less impact on the environment.”
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