Purpose

To consider the response to the following petition submitted to the 17 July Council meeting:

“We, the undersigned, petition Council to use its website and leaflets to households on recycling and food waste to raise awareness of the links between food choices, individual carbon footprints and biodiversity loss.

We ask Council to encourage residents to consume less meat and dairy and to support local growers and farmers by choosing seasonal, local produce. "

Decision

Resolved

(1)          That it be acknowledged that the council has already taken considerable steps to support the need for changes in the way food is produced in order to reduce its impact on the climate and biodiversity.

(2)          That it be acknowledge that the council is continuing to support the district in reducing its carbon emissions and seek opportunities to enhance local biodiversity and is working with a range of partners on several initiatives to make this possible.

(3)          That the work of the Food Insecurity Working Group and the development of a food strategy locally through Good Food Oxfordshire be acknowledged.

(4)          That the Corporate Director Communities be asked to respond to the petitioner setting out the council’s position.