It comes as no great surprise that the industry has been targeted in the renewed focus on climate change. Statistics such as “one kilo of kiwifruit flown from New Zealand to Europe discharges 5kg of carbon into the atmosphere”, are bound to raise more than a few eyebrows among the ‘local food is best’ brigade.

However, as Defra has been quick to point out, UK producers are not without their own adverse effects on the environment. The fact is, growing fruit and veg anywhere comes at a cost, both in financial and environmental terms, and no amount of debate is going to change that.

However, as Martin Dunnett points out on page one, the industry has been making every effort to making itself “greener” for some time. It’s great to see the FPC defending it so staunchly on these pages but it would be even better to see the sector’s representatives standing their ground to the misinformed general public.

As for the empassioned letter on page eight, while I readily agree that global hunger is no laughing matter, I would emphasise that “reporting” and “supporting” should not be confused. And if Mr Jensen is so (admirably) concerned with food wastage, there are no doubt plenty of charities that could benefit from his efforts to combat it. But isn’t art about provoking a response? In this case the artist would no doubt be thrilled to see his work has done just that.

Topics