Food distribution: An ethical agenda

In this report we examine how decisions that directly affect food distribution, such as transport policy, business logistics and ‘local food’ campaigns, could contribute to a more ethical and sustainable food system. We describe work already underway in the UK to improve food distribution, pointing out gaps and tensions. We then offer a vision of the future of food distribution.

Date: October 2009
Source: Food Ethics Council

From A to B: A snapshot of the UK food distribution system

This report provides a ‘snapshot’ of the UK’s food distribution system. Although we use the term ‘system’, what we describe is not a single entity, but a web of individual supply chains, some linked, others not. Many food items arrive on our plates after complex journeys through multiple processing systems, via several countries and many modes of transport.

Date: April 2009
Source: Food Ethics Council

Flying food: Responsible retail in the face of uncertainty

The debate over the environmental costs and development benefits of air freighting food has matured in the months since the issues first hit the headlines. This report describes what we think those benchmarks will be, based on a workshop with environment and development groups who have shaped the public debate on air freight, and who will continue to do so.

Date: May 2008
Source: Food Ethics Council

Towards sustainable energy use for transport

This paper comprises a review of technology roadmaps on sustainable energy use for transport, including road, rail, shipping and aviation. The paper summarises the environmental impacts of ‘renewable’ energy use for transport and the advances in knowledge and technology required to mitigate negative environmental impacts and to ensure environmental sustainability.

Date: September 2007
Source: UK Energy research centre

Food miles or food minutes: Is sustainability all in the timing?

Food businesses and the public have been deluged with reports on the environmental footprints of food supply chains. On the face of it, however, far from simplifying the task of 'greening' that footprint, these studies seem to have made it more complex. In particular, they have revealed that the contribution our food makes to climate change depends on how it is produced, processed and consumed, and not simply on how far it is transported.

Date: June 2007
Source: Food Ethics Council

Report of the Food Industry Sustainability Strategy Champions' Group on Food Transport

An Industry led Champions’ Group was formed to identify how the food industry can achieve significant reductions in the level of environmental and social costs associated with the domestic transportation of food. The group membership was made up of representatives from industry, government and the third sector.

Date: May 2007
Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The validity of food miles as an indicator of sustainable development

The rise in food miles has led to increases in the environmental, social and economic burdens associated with transport. These include carbon dioxide emissions, air pollution, congestion, accidents and noise. There is a clear cause and effect relationship for food miles for these burdens – and in general higher levels of vehicle activity lead to larger impacts. Growing concern over these impacts has led to a debate on whether to try to measure and reduce food miles.

Date: July 2005
Source: Report produced for Defra prepared by AEA Technology plc