Soil Association to consult on impact of air freighting organic food

The Soil Association has launched a consultation to look at ways of reducing or eliminating the environmental impact of air freighting organic food.

Air freight is the fastest-growing form of food transport and has become an integral part of the aviation industry. The perceived UK consumer demand for all-year-round fresh produce has seen air freight more than double since 1992.

It accounts for less than 1% of the total UK food miles but is responsible for 11% of the carbon dioxide emissions from UK food transport. Air freight can generate 177 times more greenhouse gas than shipping.

The ability to fly food thousands of miles means producers in some of the poorest regions of the world can now supply fresh fruit and vegetables to Europe, creating jobs and opportunities to add value.

An environmentally sustainable food distribution system, in line with organic principles, will require significant changes and improvements.

This is the first time the Soil Association has engaged in such a wide-ranging public discussion on a change to its organic standards. The question of what to do about air freight brings together the important issues of climate change, ethical trade, global justice and international development.

The Soil Association will consult charities, environmentalists, consumers, businesses in the UK and abroad and others. The deadline for the consultation is September 28 this year.

The chair of the Soil Association standards board, Anna Bradley, said: "As awareness of climate change has grown, concerns have been raised about the damage caused to the environment by air freight.

"However, when reducing our impact on the climate, we must consider the social and economic benefits of air freight for international development and growth of the organic market as a whole.

"Through a public consultation, the Soil Association standards board is taking a lead role in tackling this complex issue."

Blue Skies and Organic Farm foods are two Soil Association licensees that air freight organic food to the UK and are taking part in the consultation process.

Blue Skies specialises in the export of pre-cut, ready-to-eat fruit and the business is dependent on air freight.

In Nsawam, Ghana, it employs more than 1500 people and contributes around £2m to the economy there. In the central region of Ghana, where unemployment is 70%, it has created vital jobs for farmers.

Blue Skies' achievements are seen as a model for development.

In the central region, the company has provided access to drinking water and built roads enabling farmers to send their children to school.

Blue Skies' success adheres to high ethical, environmental and organic standards.

Organic Farm Foods, based in the UK, imports organic fruit and vegetables. It is looking for sea freight alternatives for the produce and has been successful in reducing the quantities of grapes, limes and avocados coming to the UK by air.