A campaign is to be launched in Scotland over fears that our food security is under threat.

From 16th to 23rd of August Food Sovereignty Week will run, hosted by the media company Independence Live.

Huge concerns have been raised in Scotland over the UK Government’s Australia Trade deal which will see our shops flooded with cheaper imported meat from Australia which has lower standards for its meat producing large farms.

Related links:

• What’s the beef with the Australian Free Trade Deal ?
• Farming Matters: “The industry’s very survival is being jeopardised by the proposed trade deal with Australia”
• “The cumulative impact of all such trade deals on extremely vulnerable sectors such as farming, food and drink could be hugely destructive.” NFUS on #Australia Trade Deal

The Australia Deal is the first of many similar trade arrangements the UK Government is making now we have left the world’s largest Free Trade Market, The EU.

Jim Fairlie, SNP MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, who was himself a farmer and who supports the campaign said:

“The right to have access to good quality nutritious, affordable food is something I’m sure no one would disagree with. Covid and Brexit afford us an opportunity to reimagine a food system that takes into account issues around climate change and food security.

“Food sovereignty week is a great initiative to raise awareness of the weaknesses in our food system, but also an opportunity to highlight the potential for improvements.”

A spokesperson for the campaign said:

“We are calling on the UK Government, The Scottish Government, and local authorities to do more to protect and strengthen Scotland’s food sovereignty.

“We are also calling on consumers, community groups and organisations to voice their concerns about the erosion of Scotland’s ability to control its food security. “

The campaigners are encouraging individuals and local groups to run events and campaigns during the Food Sovereignty Week to highlight the importance of Scotland’s globally recognised premium position as a responsible, sustainable quality provider of food.

For further information, please contact: Campaign Coordinator, William Thomson at campaigns@independencelive.net

See also: Covid’s Impact on the Fishing Sector