Food miles overshadowed

The global recession may have temporarily taken the heat out of European consumer concerns over how far their food has travelled.

A food miles study by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research and the University of Otago says there are other, "more pressing", economic concerns worrying European consumers at the moment.

Despite that, authors John Ballingall and Niven Winchester believe the food miles debate will re-emerge strongly in Europe over the next few years, with potential to affect New Zealand exports.

"Preferences have, and will likely continue to, change as major retailers and consumers become more aware of the sustainability credentials of the products they purchase.

"This suggests that New Zealand firms will need to continue to invest in measuring, monitoring, reducing and then communicating the environmental footprint of their products, as export income is at stake."

Food miles a measure of the distance food travels to reach consumers has been a major issue for some British and European consumers concerned at the impact shipping and air freighting of goods has on the environment.

Food miles campaigns have been most active in Britain, France and Germany, and British supermarket Tesco is one chain now showing food miles on product labels.

A briefing is being held today on growing interest in eco-labelling and the possible economic impact on New Zealand of food miles.

The report said New Zealand and several sub-Saharan countries would be the biggest losers from food miles campaigns, with New Zealand potentially experiencing a 0.3 per cent loss in gross domestic product.

"With the exception of New Zealand, this finding indicates that some of the world's poorest nations will suffer the most from European food miles lobbying."

Research had shown there was no guarantee that substituting local food for imported goods would reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Food miles campaigns could also cost some developing countries.

- © Fairfax NZ News