A new study has shown that a low carbon and carbon neutral fresh produce supply chain is economically viable.

At a seminar held by agribusiness consultant Bidwells last week, delegates learned how to save save the emission of 22,000 tonnes of carbon-dioxide a year from the fresh produce supply chain. The Sustainable Supply Chain Project worked with Asda and its supplier Fenmarc Produce and considered the technical, economic and environmental issues surrounding the use of renewable energy in the supply chain.

Project leader Greg Hilton from Bidwells said: "We demonstrated that it is viable for Fenmarc to derive a significant proportion of its energy requirements from renewable sources, including anaerobic digestion, biofuels and wind. Not only is this possible in practical terms, it makes economic sense too."

One of the most promising renewable energy options was the use of anaerobic digestion of vegetable waste to provide renewable electricity for the Fenmarc packing sites.

"We would love to power the Fenmarc sites with renewable energy, enabling us to keep on top of rising energy costs at the same time as significantly reducing our carbon footprint,” said Fenmarc Produce md Nick Waterman.

As well as looking at renewable energy, the project looked at how the supply chain dealt with its waste and also at options to introduce sustainable packaging materials.

Chris Brown of Asda said: "We welcomed the approach of taking a real life supply chain and investigating all the complex issues surrounding environmental sustainability. This project has provided a great foundation for action - our customers have told us that they want to play a part in addressing environmental issues and they are looking to us to take the lead".

The project was led by Bidwells Agribusiness Consultants with funding from DEFRA, EEDA, Asda, Fenmarc Produce Limited and Bidwells, the project was based around the Fenmarc Produce business, which supplies over 100,000 tonnes of potatoes and over 25,000 tonnes of carrots and other vegetables to Asda each year.

"Retailers are in a unique position in that they are rated amongst the most trusted organisations in the eyes of consumers,” said Phil Bicknell, from the Bidwells food marketing team. “This research has identified that retailers could take the lead in setting the environmental agenda. Consumers are clearly looking to the supermarkets to take action and do the right thing".

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