Farms on London’s doorstep not only provide a source of local and sustainable food, they also give the capital a break – absorbing carbon dioxide, heat and rainwater and providing a vital connection to the natural world.
But pressure for development, the power of food buyers and uncertainties surrounding Brexit are putting the squeeze on Green Belt food producers.
Only with long-term security of tenure can farmers cultivate the land in a way that results in healthier soil, more hedge- and tree-planting and greater use of renewable energy.
The report, ‘Farming In London’s Green Belt’ published today by the London Assembly Environment Committee highlights the concerns of many farmers about their prospects.
Recommendations for the Mayor in ‘Farming In London’s Green Belt’ include:
- Working with other local authorities to provide tools to help farmers secure and retain land tenure.
- Supporting a “Grown In London” brand to raise awareness of sustainable food cultivated locally.
- Lobbying central government for even greater protections for agricultural quality land in the Green Belt.
- Lobbying for improvements to the Agriculture Bill, including provisions for a strong, sustainable food economy.
Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:
“Long-term security of tenure is crucial. Farmers must feel confident they will be working the fields long enough to make any investment in the health of the soil worthwhile. That currently isn’t the case.
“It’s worrying that farmers may be forced into damaging short-term thinking at a time when there is such an appetite for their local, sustainable produce.
“The Mayor needs to be in the forefront of moves to enhance the long-term prospects of Green Belt farmers. He needs build a database of available farmland, to lobby government for even greater protections for agricultural land and he needs to champion the variety and quality of produce grown right here on London’s doorstep.”
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Related documents
Farming In London's Green Belt
Notes to editors
- There are more than 200 farms in Greater London, covering about 11,000 hectares, a third of Great London’s Green Belt area. The average size of the farm is 53 hectares, smaller than the English average of 86 hectares.
- Read the report in full (link below) or in brief.
- Watch a video of Assembly Members meeting Green Belt food producers.
- Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the London Assembly Environment Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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