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The Vegan Society are continuing our World Vegan Month challenge to the UK Government: "Take a proper look at the benefits of a move away from 'animal farming'."
Vegan food and stock-free farming let's us 'do more with less'. We could increase the human food supply by as much as 50%. The Vegan Society have estimated that, in the UK context, we can produce nutritious, interesting plant-based diets using just one third the fertile land, fresh water and energy currently used for the typical British 'meat-and-dairy' based diet [1]. Governments can make quick progress on global food security by switching subsidies away from 'animal farming' and into stock-free farming.
The Vegan Society has discussed all these issues in our response to the UK Government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills consultation on "Shaping a UK 'agri-tech' strategy"[2]. We welcome moves to ensure sufficient, safe nutritious food for all whilst reducing environmental damage. The practices of successful stock-free farmers are an invaluable form of 'agri-tech'. We have asked the UK Government to keep us involved in their sustainable farming work, too.
We can all benefit greatly from the experience of successful stock-free farming experts. But these benefits can only be realised if farmers' leaders and policy makers look carefully at stock-free methods. We have replied to the UK BIS consultation on behalf of many groups, including UK consumers who are seeking healthy, environmentally sustainable food; on behalf of the farmers and others living in the Majority world, especially those 1 billion already living in hunger; on behalf of UK farmers seeking sustainable livelihoods in plant-based agriculture; and, of course, on behalf of the non-human animals currently subjected to human farming.
Notes for Editors
1. Walsh, S Environmental impact of vegans versus conventional diets in the UK. Birmingham, UK: The Vegan Society; 2009 /feature-articles/Environmental%20impact%20of%20vegans%20versus%20conventional%20diets%20in%20the%20UK.pdf [accessed 16 Nov 2012].
2. UK Government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills call for evidence 2012, Shaping a UK 'agri-tech' strategy. http://www.bis.gov.uk/Consultations/shaping-uk-agri-tech-strategy-call-for-evidence [accessed 21 Nov 2012]
Media Contact: Amanda Baker Mobile: 07847 664 793 - Email: media[at]vegansociety[dot]com - Tel: +44(0) 121 523 1737 [direct line] – Web: vegansociety.com
Founded in November 1944, The Vegan Society promotes vegan lifestyles - which exclude, as far as is possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Registered Charity No. 279228, Company Registration No. 1468880 Registered in England & Wales, VAT Registration No. 448 5973 95
