Research provides framework for food sector to reduce agricultural emissions by 70 per cent
A new IGD report has outlined a plan to help the UK food sector achieve ambitious net-zero targets by 2050.
Commissioned by IGD and developed by consultants EY and WRAP, the report offers an evidence-based view of how the UK food system can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Titled ‘A Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK Food System’, it provides a framework for the food sector to achieve 70 per cent emissions reductions in agriculture and to fully decarbonise heat, electricity and transport.
IGD outlines 19 steps that the government can take to enable this, with a particular focus on strengthening policy for farming and energy.
In the short term, the research proposes immediate action by industry and government to support the domestic farming transition and a new set of standards for food imports.
With action on energy efficiency, low-carbon power generation and significant reductions in food waste, the report shows that 2030 emissions reductions targets are “very challenging” but achievable.
The framework also offered reduction methods on both the supply side and the demand side, showing the contribution that can be made by the population through diet change, using the NHS Eatwell Guide as a basis.
Meanwhile, the report notes the critical role of food waste reduction, particularly by households.
According to the retail insight firm, halving food waste in the UK by 2030, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 and the Courtauld Commitment 2030, is estimated to remove about five per cent of all food-related emissions.
Currently, food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing industry – providing 4.4 million jobs and contributing over £100 billion to GDP.
The sector generates 30 per cent of all UK territorial emissions, with much of this relating to agriculture and significant contributions from energy and logistics.
Director of health and sustainability programmes at IGD, Kirsty Saddler, said: “This UK Food System Transition Plan is a first of its kind approach at unifying wide-ranging perspectives within the food industry around the aim of accelerating progress in emissions reduction.
“The UK food industry is deeply connected to the climate crisis both as a contributor of emissions but also as an industry that is dependent upon a stable and healthy ecosystem to grow and provide food for the country.
“All organisations across the system can make better progress, faster, if we work together and with government.”
Director of behaviour change and business programmes at WRAP, Catherine David, added: “We hope this report, uniting the whole of UK food and drink, will help catalyse a fresh and focused phase of collaborative action on the urgent issues that industry must tackle.”
