As the debate on climate change gains momentum on the political agenda ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, a “climate smart food” conference was held in Lund, Sweden on November 23-24, hosted by the Swedish EU presidency.

Around 200 participants discussed the climate impact of the entire food chain, with a view on production, trade, wastage and consumer awareness. As global food production from farm to fork is currently estimated to account for 25 to 30 per cent of total consumption-related greenhouse gas emissions, there is a need to reduce this figure.

European trade body Freshfel highlighted the fact that the consumption of fruit and vegetables is an essential part of a “climate smart” diet and said, on average, most fruit and vegetables outperform other food products when it comes to their carbon footprint.

Freshfel acknowledged that improvements are possible at all levels of the supply chain, from production level through transport and logistics to the consumer, but emphasised that it is already undertaking huge efforts in this regard.

The conference highlighted the complexity of the debate, casting doubt on the feasibility and effectiveness of certain labelling schemes currently in place, such as those that champion a product’s lack of carbon emissions while ignoring its other environmental impacts.

Frederic Rosseneu, Freshfel’s food quality adviser, said: “The relevance of environmental labels in general remains uncertain, as they might be too complex for consumers, who are mostly not interested and do not have enough time to consider complex messages.

“For operators there is also the complexity of the supply chain and associated costs. The carbon and environmental footprinting tools will rather help the sector to identify problem areas and solutions and to assist clients and retailers to meet their corporate social responsibility goals, as well as support certain marketing initiatives.”

Philippe Binard, general delegate of Freshfel, said: “We are glad other stakeholders acknowledge the fact that fresh produce is part of the solution in tackling climate change. Our product is indeed not only an essential contribution for improving the health of consumers, but also moving towards a better environment.”

Topics