The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has termed the Soil Association’s decision not to impose a ban on organic certification of airfreighted produce a “fudge”, after the organic body announced it will “monitor” the situation.
Nigel Jenney, FPC chief executive, said it was a shame it had taken 18 months before “common sense prevailed”.
The Soil Association originally proposed a ban on airfreighted organic fruit and veg unless farmers carried out bureaucratic and time-consuming measures; a move the FPC claimed would limit consumer choice and threaten the livelihood of farmers in developing countries.
Jenney said: “It appears that the Soil Association has finally taken on board concerns we raised a year ago regarding the lack of real data, and has accepted the need for accurate information upon which to make decisions. Without this, the Soil Association’s proposals would, without question, have serious negative implications for farmers and growers in Africa who need fast access to European markets.”
The FPC will continue to monitor the Soil Association’s deliberations to ensure that its proposals do not promote unnecessary additional bureaucracy and cost to a supply chain already under strain.
Jenney warned that the concept of food miles is “confusing” and generates “a false sense of eco-security”. He urged the industry to “look at the carbon footprint of the whole product supply chain and provide consumers with meaningful advice on which to make informed decisions”.
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