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Government Food Strategy fails farmers and environment
26 April 2006
The Government's Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS), published today (Wednesday 26 April), takes welcome steps to cut emissions from the food industry, Friends of the Earth said, but fails to tackle crucial issues of how the industry sources its food. It called on the Government to bring in better protection for food industry suppliers both here and overseas to avoid unethical and unsustainable production.
The Strategy, which was developed by DEFRA as part of the Food and Farming Strategy, calls for reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, water use, and waste but is less specific on food transport. The strategy also calls on the industry to improve its performance in areas of ethical trading, health and safety and equal opportunities - as well as science and innovation, workforce skills and retail crime.
Friends of the Earth said that while measures to reduce energy and water use and cut waste were important, the Strategy failed to tackle the problems caused by the global pressures to produce cheap food.
Friends of the Earth's Senior Food Campaigner Vicki Hird said:
"The Food Industry Sustainability Strategy is a weak response to the very significant environmental, social and health problems caused by the food industry. Of course it is important that the food industry reduces its energy use, but it must also address crucial problems such as how supermarkets, processing companies and fast food outlets treat suppliers, both here and overseas.
"Farmers and workers worldwide are forced to use environmentally damaging farming methods because of the pressure for low prices. Workers are underpaid and many work in conditions that are simply unacceptable. But the Government has ignored this aspect of the food industry."
The Government must also ensure that the policies are implemented swiftly and progress measured and reported on a regular basis, the campaign group added.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
