Lobbying together for a circular economy
Political parties face a wave of lobbying as they prepare manifestos for the General Election. Usually these lobbyists will focus on influencing political parties with headline-catching statements, linked to perceived public priorities that gain traction. But does this lead to good policy making?
The amount of legislative time spent on the Rwanda policy highlights the absurdity of heading down emotive rabbit holes. Yet, lobbyists arguably continue to focus on shock factor. Given the scale and complexity of societal challenges, we need a more collaborative way to create policy. Policy needs to be co-created with a diverse section of the community, rather than those with the loudest voices and deepest pockets. How best to achieve this has been playing on our mind as we seek to influence policy on behalf of the Enrich the Earth coalition.
Our aim is to replace peat-use in horticulture with more sustainable materials in a way that supports jobs, boosts the local circular economy and is affordable. We face an up-hill task addressing a niche topic with little public engagement. There is no vote-winning headline, the required changes are cross-departmental and technical. However, there are huge environmental benefits to reducing the use of peat and expanding local composting. How then are we planning to progress?
Collaboration
Consultation has taken place across the whole supply chain to understand their challenges and the changes required to make a difference. Simply calling for a ban on the sale of peat in horticulture doesn’t reflect the complexity of the transition. Wider policy shifts are required to support the horticulture sector and ensure that the transition is affordable. This collaborative approach creates a holistic view, allowing policymakers to deliver the widest impact.
Five Policy Requests
For Peat-free horticulture to be successful, there needs to be alternative materials that are plentiful, affordable and sustainable. Policy shifts can make these materials available and help the horticulture sector adapt to new ways of working. The aims driving our policy requests are:
To give the sector access to alternative peat materials at a fair price, particularly wood chip which is currently subsidised for use by the energy sector but not horticulture.
To provide financial and other support to the horticultural sector to cover additional transition costs.
To reduce contamination in green waste to maximise the value and usability of this material.
To make green waste available as part of the peat alternative by ensuring it is handled as locally as possible delivering maximum environmental benefit.
To ensure government incentives accurately measure the importance of soil as a carbon store.
Strong evidence
The Enrich the Earth coalition is compiling strong supporting evidence, illustrating the financial and environmental benefits of the transition from peat. We can demonstrate that the policy requests will create a more robust horticultural sector and build a localised circular economy.
Multi-voiced
Environmental campaigners have spent 30 years pushing for a peat ban in horticulture. Despite many near misses no legislation exists to enforce this policy. The campaigning has been largely confrontational with industry kicking-back citing financial and operational barriers. We are seeking to take a more inclusive, positive and pragmatic approach, bringing as many stakeholders as possible with us on the lobbying journey.
Transparency
Whether our approach to lobbying yields any impact is hard to say, but we are committed to being transparent in our approach, our findings, our successes and our failures. We are also committed to being transparent in our funding, which is sourced from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and our partners involved. Too much lobbying takes place behind closed doors, which distances people from the process and is democratically harmful.
As the frenzy builds towards the next General Election, we will keep you informed of progress.
Thoughts on our lobbying? Let us know by getting in touch.