Positive plant-forward 2024 Election Manifesto
Let’s fix our broken food system!
The Vegetarian Society launches a positive plant-forward vision for the next parliament with their 2024 Election Manifesto.
The Vegetarian Society, a national campaigning charity, today launches its manifesto for change – focused on the damage being caused by our current food system.
The manifesto outlines how urgent change is needed, putting climate, biodiversity, animal welfare and public health, at the heart of the UK’s future relationship with food.
From tax to food labelling – a range of high-level policy actions are set out aimed at making healthy, plant-based food more affordable and accessible.
Jen Elford, Head of Policy, the Vegetarian Society commented: “With the election just around the corner and debates sparking across the media, it’s clear that as a nation we face all manner of significant challenges. From the Society’s point of view, one of the key electoral issues relates to our food system, which is driving climate change, food insecurity, animal welfare issues and poor health outcomes across society. With our manifesto we hope to inspire politicians to look to the work that is already being done up and down the country on our farms, in public institutions and in science and technology, and to get them on board with a positive plant-rich food future.”
To read the full manifesto visit www.vegsoc.org/manifesto
ENDS
Notes to editors
- For media enquiries please contact Su via press@vegsoc.org
- About the Vegetarian Society
The Vegetarian Society, established in 1847, is the UK’s original and leading voice for the vegetarian and vegan movement. With a rich history of over 175 years, the Society is committed to inspiring and supporting individuals to make sustainable and cruelty-free choices for a kinder, healthier, and more sustainable future.
The Vegetarian Society’s 2024 Election Manifesto’s key policy actions are aimed at integrating plant-based initiatives into the UK economy and food system for a sustainable, healthy and food secure future. Taken together they form the basis of a ‘farm-to-fork’ approach.
Fiscal policy
- Use fiscal policy to incentivise the production and consumption of low carbon, healthier foods, through reform of agricultural payments, industry levies and progressive taxation
Land use & agriculture
- Develop a land use framework which incorporates a plant-based strategy.
- Shift arable farming away from animal feed production towards plant-protein for direct human consumption.
- Implement new support packages for plant-based land and soil management.
Food procurement
- Increase the provision of plant-based foods across the public sector through reform of the Food Procurement Act and Government Buying Standards for Food (GBSF) to embed a range of plant-based initiatives.
Food labelling
- Introduce carbon & health food labelling, signposting consumers to healthier, low carbon choices.
Note that National Vegetarian Week this year has changed and runs from 1-7th October 2024.
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