Devising a rural food system framed by the United Nations Sustainability Goals

Holly Barlow

Disertační práce

Abstract:

With the ever-apparent effects of climate change affecting the world, Governments and societies must look to adopt sustainable and regenerative practices throughout many sectors and industries to reduce green-house gas emissions. One sector associated with high levels of carbon output is the farming and food production sector, with many areas relying on fossil fuels, heavy usage of chemical inputs and production practices which destroy native habitats and impact the fertility and water storage of land. The British Government have been presented the opportunity to rewrite policy, following the 2016 Brexit vote and the subsequent withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and alongside the Government’s commitment to fulfil the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, agricultural policy can be redeveloped to promote regenerative practices to improve the sustainability of English farming. This research generates an understanding of the effects of the Common Agricultural Policy on English farming and how those working within the sector would like to see future policy developed. The research uses interviews to gain a lived experience perspective from farmers, growers and food producers based in three key agricultural counties in England, a perspective which is often overlooked. With over 70 interviews completed in both agricultural and horticultural sectors, the research highlights the importance of a grassroots approach to policy and sustainable practice with many farmers, growers and food producers generating their own shortened more effective supply chains, adopting regenerative practices, and creating financial independency from Government based subsidies.

Keywords

rural food system, sustainable development, farmers, rowers, food producers

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 14. 6. 2024

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: prof. PhDr. Michal Lošťák, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Lukáš Zagata, Ph.D., doc. Mgr. Ing., Nigel Swain, externi, Janet Dwyer, externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Provozně ekonomická fakulta

Doktorský studijní program / obor:
Economics Policy and Administration / Regional and Social Development