Food Chain Programme: International
Aim
- To promote the Food Chain Programme to international stakeholders and to gather evidence of relevant research and international policies. This will be used to inform FCP projects, including in particular, the development of the carbon methodology (Link) standard.
- To identify potential collaboration opportunities that will deepen our understanding of sustainable food issues, thus enabling communication of good practice through the food supply chain.
- In the longer term the project aims to influence future standards development at European Union (EU) and International Standards level (ISO).
The objectives of the international project are being met by:
- Building relationships with international stakeholders in the EU, United Nations, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and key import/export countries.
- Working with Department of International Development to agree, communicate and develop the joint position on the complex relationship been environmental and international development issues.
- Maintaining engagement with the Devolved Administrations and across Whitehall, to ensure a joined up approach to sustainable food policy.
Introduction
The impact of imported food varies according to several factors. It is important to look at the whole supply chain when considering the impact of food, in terms of Greenhouse Gases, water, biodiversity, waste and climate change more broadly. In addition it is important to understand the wider impacts on society and the economy, particularly regarding health and nutrition and poverty reduction (international development implications). Food miles alone are not a sufficient indicator.
Seasonality is a key factor when considering the impact of importing food commodities, for example apples and lamb from New Zealand. At some times of the year it may make sense (in terms of carbon at least) to import a product from overseas – for example, refrigerating the product for several months to extend seasonality is usually more energy intensive and there may be substantial wastage during transport or storage.
Evidence is currently being gathered to address the above issues, which will feed into the development of the carbon methodology. Imported apples and lamb are two of seven key commodities under consideration in the research project ‘Comparative life-cycle assessment of food commodities procured for UK consumption through a diversity of supply chains’, due to report in 2008.
Progress
- At the end of October initial meetings were held in Brussels with Directorate General (DG) Agriculture, DG Environment and DG Sanco (Directorate General for Health and Consumer Affairs); all expressed a strong interest in our work.
- We continue to gather evidence of activities relating to sustainable food chains in other countries. Recent discussions have been held with Sweden, The Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand and the UN.
- A bilateral event with Italy on sustainability in the food chain provided some interesting insight into the Italian focus on food quality as opposed to our current focus on reducing carbon emissions.
Page last modified: 22 January 2008