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Letter sent to Sarah Newton by Tim Thomson
Dear Sarah Newton
For some time I have been increasingly concerned about large agribusinesses, factory farming, GM crops, monoculture, and the effects that these practices and products have on global food production, and on our own food security. I believe that as our climate continues to change, and as fuel prices inevitably increase, localism in food production and a reduced dependency on fossil fuel products in our agriculture are vital, both globally and in our own country.
Although these views are widely held, they are also largely disregarded by those who have the power or influence to bring about change. However, last December, a report was submitted to the UN by the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter. Here is a link to the press release and the report
http://www.srfood.org/index.php/en/component/content/article/1-latest-news/1174-report-agroecology-and-the-right-to-food
Broadly speaking the report formalises the beliefs that many environmentalists have held for years, and points unambiguously away from major agri-business, chemical fertilisers and the rest, and towards eco-farming.
I would ask you to read this report, but more importantly, I would ask you to draw it to the attention of the Minister, and in doing so, to point out that if applied to our own agricultural model, it supports this Governments policies on Localism, Environmentalism, Sustainability and Employment.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Sincerely
Tim Thomson
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