The Good Food Nation Bill is currently going through its last stages in the parliamentary process, but it isn't strong enough to deliver real change for our food system. Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) will soon be debating the final draft of the Bill before it becomes law. We have just a few weeks left to put pressure on MSPS to ensure this new legislation delivers on its promise.
There is one change that can make a difference to this Bill: an Independent Food Commission. We need a Food Commission to oversee and guide our progress towards a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system. This Commission needs to be independent of government, so that it can give us a true picture of the whole system. Free from political pressures, it would inform us about what we already do well – and what needs to improve.
Establishing an independent body to champion action and scrutinise progress is our best chance of making headway.
Write to your MSPs now to urge them to support the establishment of an Independent Food Commission as part of the Good Food Nation Bill.
There is one change that can make a difference to this Bill: an Independent Food Commission. We need a Food Commission to oversee and guide our progress towards a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system. This Commission needs to be independent of government, so that it can give us a true picture of the whole system. Free from political pressures, it would inform us about what we already do well – and what needs to improve.
Establishing an independent body to champion action and scrutinise progress is our best chance of making headway.
Write to your MSPs now to urge them to support the establishment of an Independent Food Commission as part of the Good Food Nation Bill.
How to contact your MSPs
- Enter your postcode in the box below to email all your MSPs via WriteToThem. Email your constituency MSP (the first name to appear) first, then choose the "Write to all your regional MSPs" option to email your 7 Regional MSPs in one go.
- Write your own message. Don't forget to include some of the key points below and to make them your own: an original email or letter sent by an individual constituent is far more powerful than a stack of template letters. (Also, "copy-and-paste" template letters will be blocked by WriteToThem.)
- Remember to introduce yourself as a constituent - include your full name and postcode in your message.
- Send your message. WriteToThem will send an automated email to confirm that you want your message to be sent. Don't forget to follow instructions to confirm.
- Please drop us a line to let us know who you've contacted - and if you hear back from them.
KEY POINTS TO INCLUDE:
- Urge your MSPs to support the establishment of an independent Food Commission as part of the Good Food Nation Bill.
- Good governance requires independent oversight:
The Food Commission needs to be independent of Government so that it can give us a true picture of the whole system. Free from political pressures, it would inform us about what we already do well and what needs to improve - Multi-faceted problems require a whole-system approach:
The problems affecting the food system in Scotland are many, and multi-faceted. Becoming a Good Food Nation and meeting people’s needs in a sustainable, fair and healthy way requires a whole-system approach - one that ensures healthy, nutritious food is affordable while protecting workers’ rights, improving animal welfare and minimising our climate and environmental footprint. The Food Commission can help guide everyone responsible for producing food plans (national government, local authorities, and health boards), and make sure these plans are all working in harmony to improve the food system. - Similar independent commissions have already been set up to tackle complex issues in Scotland:
The Scottish Government has established Commissions to address other complex issues, such as the Scottish Land Commission, Social Security Commission, Poverty and Inequality Commission or the Just Transition Commission. We also need one for the food system.
Not sure what to write? We've got you covered!
We know it's not always straightforward to come up with your own wording; if you'd prefer to use a template letter, please click here.
We know it's not always straightforward to come up with your own wording; if you'd prefer to use a template letter, please click here.
The Good Food Nation Bill: further background information
What’s the problem?
Scotland’s food system is in trouble. Many people are forced to use food banks; healthy diets are not affordable; the way we farm and fish harms the environment that we rely on to keep producing our food. Governments have been trying to solve these problems by looking at them individually - but these problems are not getting better, and some of them are getting worse. To make a real change, we need a more joined-up approach.
What’s the solution?
There is more to food than just eating. We need to look at the system behind how food gets to our plates. This includes growing, farming and fishing; land and sea management; processing, catching, distribution and consumption. Regulations, incentives and workers’ rights are also part of this system.
Ingredients for a Good Food Nation
The Good Food Nation Bill presents a unique opportunity to make positive change across the whole system. It could be a truly transformative piece of legislation, ensuring the food system nourishes us and the planet. Unfortunately, as it stands, the Bill only has 2 of the 5 ingredients needed to make this happen. There is a danger it will fail to live up to its name – and its promise.
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