The need for secure and sustainable food supplies – producing more, from less and with less environmental impact – has been highlighted by the Food & Drink Federation.
Speaking at a specially organised event ahead of the Rio + 20 summit in June, Defra Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman, outlined UK Government’s aims and ambitions for food security.
She said: “Ensuring a secure, stable and sustainable food supply for a growing population is one of the most pressing issues of our time. The Rio+20 summit next month is an opportunity to get the world on the right path to more sustainable ways of growing and supplying food at less environmental cost.
“I am delighted that both the Food and Drink Federation and Forum for the Future are working with the Government to make sure the food industry is fully behind this ambition. We have some of the most progressive and forward thinking food suppliers in the world. I look forward to discussing how we can build on this and share our expertise with others at Rio.”
FDF Director of Sustainability, Andrew Kuyk said that the event was a showcase of what UK food and drink manufacturers have been doing to improve their own resource efficiency, establish more sustainable and resilient supply chains and to decouple growth from environmental impact through FDF’s Five-fold Environmental Ambition and 20/20 Growth Strategy.
Clearly packaging has a key role to play in ensuring food waste is minimised and that it reaches the consumer in the best possible condition. The industry needs to be more vocal about its vital role in helping achieve food security.
