Production and consumption are placing enormous burdens on the global environment and generating inequities at all levels. The recent increase in demand in the UK for ‘organic’ produce, for example, which now outstrips the ability to meet that demand from ‘home’ production, means that large quantities of ’fresh’ produce are being shipped from the other side of the world.

Even assuming appropriate ‘organic standards’ of production are being enforced, the international transport and distribution causes major impact. Furthermore, prices of organic foods are often much higher than the ‘conventionally grown’ alternatives and in the absence of significant scientific evidence confirming a greater health benefit from ‘organics’, many people are led to argue that this trade is neither necessary nor sustainable. Yet it is equally argued elsewhere that ‘conventional’ methods of farming are not delivering the kind of food which UK consumers are demanding.

• How should the future strategy for UK fresh food production be developed and on what basis?
• How should the UK consumer be made aware of the real benefits and environmental burdens of particular types of food and their production?
• Is the UK general public ready to accept higher prices for food products if the true environmental costs are included?

Click here to read the recommendations for Food action from the multi-stakeholder process.