Competition for decreasing profits along the food supply chain is making it fragile: only a holistic approach can improve food security and health

The current model of food production is unsustainable at many levels.

Farmers have become stuck on a spiral of excessive tillage and toxic chemistry destroying soil, profitability, health and rural communities; by working in harmony with nature to address these issues farming will not only become more profitable, it will also start to have a positive impact on the health of our planet.

The food supply network is not resilient, with the constituent parts in competition for the decreasing profits as the supermarkets drive prices down; a more holistic approach to food supply will not only improve security of supplies and the wellbeing of everyone working in the industry but also the health of everyone eating that food.

My approach to creating an abundant countryside is to help people work with nature to produce good food, fibre, wood and energy profitably and at the same time regenerating nature – and I consider people to be part of nature. I am the first to admit this is not easy, but by managing holistically it has been proven to be possible on every farm where it has been implemented around the world.

To regenerate a farm business and its people and ecosystems it must be managed holistically; to use some ‘regenerative practices’ without a holistic perspective and appropriate monitoring will just prolong the problems we face. This approach is also needed throughout the food supply system and into policy development; there is little point in farmers producing nutritious food if nobody can afford to buy it. Allan Savory often reminds us management can no more be partly holistic than someone can be partly pregnant.

If you would like to discuss moving to holistic, regenerative practices on your farm or estate, please get in touch on t. 07802 688 086 or e. william@land.scot