Welcome from the editor: let them eat cake

Welcome and thank you for joining me this weekend.

Climate change and the cost and availability of agricultural commodities are the main subjects and preoccupations of our current times. Yet, despite studies, predictions and analysis, it seems that whilst humans care about the planet and worry about food shortages, we don’t care enough to actually make some much needed changes. Here we are, talking about the need to lower GHG emissions and the planet’s temperature, whilst chomping on a steak washed down with a nice Malbec flown in all the way from Argentina. All the while Europe is on fire, animals are treated abhorrently and climate migration is looming.

Yet if we made some changes to our system, we could probably avoid a very grim future. But it seems that instead, we want to have our cake and eat it.

This week we take a closer look at meat production in Intensive farming can reach net zero but the solution lies in reducing animal protein consumption.

Producing and consuming local food could partially help tackle the climate crisis and generate some much needed income for our country. Is it time to start seriously investing and promoting our regional food, like Italy and France do? A All-Party Parliamentary Group thinks so. Read their proposal and find out what local producers we spoke to think in MPs call for improved Geographical Indication policy for British food and drink in new report.

If you’ve decided to cut down on, or stop eating meat, fish, eggs and dairy, you must read our latest feature on animal alternatives, 7 plant-based trends and innovations we’ve seen so far in 2022, and get inspired by the variety of delicious products on the market that won’t make you miss your favourite fish or cheese.

If you didn’t get a chance to read them the first time around, catch up on Gut health explained: what it is and how to improve it and Lessons from the dining hall: the history of free school meals and the changes needed to improve pupils’ nutrition, two excellent pieces loved by our readers.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Stef