MP's column: How to revive food production in our area

As the autumn leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, the Cotswolds come alive with the vibrant colours in the time-honoured tradition of harvest festivals.

As a little girl, and the daughter of a Methodist minister, I always loved to see the church resplendent with wheatsheaves and pumpkins, as we sang “We plough the fields and scatter”.

These cherished events are more than just a celebration of the season's bounty; they serve as a powerful reminder of our deep connection to the land and the importance of local food production.

I've had the pleasure of browsing around our local farmers markets in Cirencester, Fairford and Malmesbury.

Local farmers proudly display their produce. while artisanal food producers offer a tantalising array of locally-made cheeses, breads, and preserves.

Britain used to produce a much larger proportion of its own food. In the post-war years, our nation was nearly 80% self-sufficient in food production.

Today, that figure has dropped to around 60%. This shift towards reliance on imports, often of lower quality, has not only increased our food miles but has also disconnected many people from the source of their food and the rhythms of the agricultural year.

It's time for us to rediscover the benefits of local food. The Liberal Democrats have long recognised how essential a role farmers play, not just as producers of food, but as stewards of our land.

By reducing our dependence on imports, we can significantly cut down on food miles, lowering our carbon footprint.

The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester is blazing a trail in regenerative and zero-dig farming methods that actively draw down carbon into the soil.

Supporting local farmers and producers helps to strengthen our rural economies and preserve traditional farming practices that have shaped our beloved Cotswold landscape for centuries.

At the recent Sustain Britain conference, where I had the honour of speaking, we discussed innovative ways to promote sustainable living and local resilience.

I’m especially enthusiastic about the idea of Sustain Circles, in which communities source 80% of their essential needs - like food, housing, and employment - within a defined radius of their main settlement. 

Imagine a South Cotswolds where the majority of our food is grown within a few miles of our homes, where local builders use locally-sourced materials, and where thriving small businesses provide meaningful employment.

This is not a utopian dream but a achievable goal that would bring numerous benefits: reduced transport emissions, increased food security, stronger community bonds, and a more resilient local economy.

To make this vision a reality, we need to support our local farmers and food producers, not just during harvest festivals but throughout the year.

When many people are having to choose between heating and eating this winter, local doesn’t have to mean more expensive.

We can shop at farmers' markets, join community-supported agriculture schemes, and choose locally-sourced options in our supermarkets and restaurants. 

We also need to encourage more people, especially younger generations, to consider careers in agriculture and food production.

By investing in agricultural education and supporting new entrants to farming, we can ensure that the rich farming traditions of the Cotswolds continue to thrive.

As we enjoy the bounty of this year's harvest festivals, let's reflect on how we can work together to create a more sustainable and locally-focused food system.

By reconnecting with our land and our food, we not only nourish our bodies but also strengthen the fabric of our communities.

The Cotswolds has long been a region of rolling fields and bountiful harvests; it's time we returned to our roots and embraced a future where local truly means local.