Food and the environment
The food sector plays a key part in our economy and farmers have a crucial role in managing the land. We all have a part to play to ensure that we use our resources sustainably, at a local level, regionally and internationally.
Through our commitments in the Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP), government has made a commitment to identify how we can increase food production in ways that improve the environment. Defra is doing this through the Green Food Project. We are also looking at other areas in the food agenda that have an impact on our environment.
Green Food Project
Rising populations pose a vast challenge if we are to feed everyone sustainably.
The Green Food Project will consider how we can increase food production and enhance the environment (more information is in the Natural Environment White Paper). This project is driven forward in partnership, and the Steering Group includes senior representatives from farming and food sectors, the service industry and the environmental sector.
The project will look at how we can:
- improve growth & competitiveness in the farming and food industry
- increase food production in the UK, and consider our role in global food security
- protect and enhance our natural environment
Ministers have committed to publishing conclusions from this work by July 2012.
We are currently seeking your views on the Green Food Project and would welcome your comments on the questions posed.
If you would like to be kept up to date on the progress of the project, or would like to know how you can be involved please contact greenfoodproject@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Food waste
Tackling food waste (both reducing waste and managing any that does arise sustainably) is key to achieving our aim of a ‘zero waste economy’. We are working closely with the food industry via responsibility deals to drive down the waste created in industry and ensure consumers have well-designed products and clear information to help them avoid wasting good food. This helps us protect our environment and save people money.
There are several options for treating food waste that does arise – government is committed to reducing the amount going to landfill and increasing the amount treated by more sustainable means such as anaerobic digestion, which can provide renewable energy and valuable biofertiliser. However, government recognises that one size does not fit all and is working to encourage solutions that fit local contexts.