Abstract

*Selected as one of openDemocracy's Best Political Books of 2017*

Although widely criticised and hugely wasteful, The Common Agricultural Policy did at least afford British farmers a degree of support. Post-Brexit, that support will vanish - to be replaced with a woefully misconceived agricultural export drive that cannot possibly deliver.

Bittersweet Brexit suggests a solution: paying workers decent wages in the agricultural sector could radically transform the nature of farming in Britain. It would improve yields, increase sustainability and ensure greater self-sufficiency at a time when food security is becoming a vital issue.

This scenario provides a progressive, forward-thinking and optimistic future for food and farming in Britain, which, unlike many other industries, is currently being ignored.
'A good red-green dose of food reality, which puts people, ecology and health at the heart of how to reform it'
Tim Lang, Professor of Food Policy, City University, London
'A meticulously researched, thought provoking book, which politicians should act upon to provide a better future for our food and farm workers, especially the young, and rural economies in general'
Len McCluskey, General Secretary, Unite the Union
'This book is so important ... it challenges us all to take the opportunity Brexit presents to rethink our food systems, rethink our investment in food production and reconnect locally'
Pam Warhurst, Co-Founder, Incredible Edible Network