Food Flown in Set to Be Barred From Using Organic Label
By MARK PRIGG
FOOD imported by air could be banned from using the “organic’” label under tough new rules designed to cut carbon emissions.
The Soil Association, the country’s main organic certification body, today revealed the plans at its annual conference in Cardiff.
It is concerned about the damage done to the environment by greenhouse gas emissions from planes carrying food products around the world.
A government report last year found the transportation of food across the country and around the world is costing Britain Pounds 9 billion a year. It prompted the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to work with the food industry to try to reduce the environmental and social costs of food transport by 20 per cent by 2012.
By removing the organic label from air-freighted food, the Soil Association hopes to persuade supermarkets to use local products.
“There is growing demand to reduce the carbon footprint of food distribution and we take that very seriously,” said Soil Association director Patrick Holden.
“The board will publish a consultation-paper outlining the options, which would include labelling and carbon offsetting.
“But this initiative wouldn’t have been taken if there wasn’t a pretty strong chance that the standards board would eventually decide on a total ban.”
“There is a strong demand, from the public and many of our licensees, to reduce food miles.
Although there is very little airfreighting of organic produce, we believe there is an urgent need to make every contribution to curbing climate change that we can.
“This is complex for producers in developing countries where it involves equity and ethical trading issues. The Soil Association and the organic farming movement must continue to lead the way to tackle the impact on climate change, and work towards a climate-friendly food and farming future.”
“Overall, the carbon footprint of air-freighting is greater to such a large degree than land transport that we think there is a strong case for looking at a ban very seriously.”
Reports have also shown that even travelling to shops to buy food has a major environmental impact.
The average Briton travels 898 miles a year by car to shop for food, and the importation of food is having an impact on road congestion, accidents, climate change, noise and air pollution.
Carbon footprint of shopping basket
Brussels sprouts from Australia, 10,562 miles.
Grapes from Chile, 7,247 miles
Pears from Argentina,6,886 miles.
Chicken from Thailand, 6,643 miles.
Asparagus from Peru, 6,312 miles
Sugar snap peas from Guatemala, 5,457 miles
Tomatoes fom Saudi Arabia 3,086 miles
Potatoes from Israel, 2,187 miles
Lettuce and spinach from Spain, 958 miles.
(c) 2007 Evening Standard; London (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.