Overview

The Sustainable Livestock Bill aims to make the UK livestock industry more sustainable, considering its economic, social, and environmental impacts across the entire supply chain, from farm to fork. The bill mandates the Secretary of State to take various actions to achieve this goal, including changes to public procurement, information campaigns, and research funding.

Description

This bill places a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure the sustainability of the UK livestock industry. This involves:

• Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable farming methods through public procurement, research funding, and adjustments to existing farmer subsidies.
• Public Information: Providing information to the public and implementing clearer food labelling to encourage sustainable consumption.
• Waste Reduction: Reducing food waste and exploring more sustainable methods for its disposal.
• International Cooperation: Aligning UK policies with international efforts, including those within the European Union.
• Import Reduction: Ensuring that efforts to improve sustainability do not lead to increased meat imports into the UK.
• Consultation: Consulting with relevant experts across the livestock sector, including farmers, retailers, environmentalists, and consumers.
• Progress Reporting: Publishing regular progress reports on the implementation of the bill, including specific indicators to measure success.

The definition of "ensure the sustainability of the livestock industry" includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preventing biodiversity loss, improving animal welfare, protecting landscapes, strengthening farming communities and ensuring food security.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in implementing the act, and any increases in payments under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be met from public funds. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Farmers: Potentially affected by changes to subsidies and required adoption of sustainable practices. The impact could be positive or negative depending on the specific measures implemented.
• Food Processors and Retailers: May need to adapt their practices to align with sustainability requirements.
• Consumers: Will benefit from increased information and potentially more sustainably produced food. They may also see changes in food prices.
• Environmental Groups: Likely to be positively impacted by the bill's focus on reducing the environmental footprint of livestock farming.
• Animal Welfare Organisations: Will benefit from the bill's emphasis on improved animal welfare.

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