Government action over food miles long overdue

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 26th Apr 2006

Commenting ahead of the Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett's launch today of the Government's food industry sustainability strategy, Chris Huhne MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:

"The food industry has a major environment impact through energy and water use and waste generation.

"Our research reveals that supermarket lorries travel the equivalent of almost four return trips to the moon everyday. This highlights the need for Government action to encourage more local supply.

"Today's consumers want to know that supermarkets are taking a responsible attitude towards the environment. This must include trying to reduce the distances that our food travels before it reaches our dinner plates.

"Supermarkets are now a major part of our communities. With one supermarket for every 10,000 people, the big chains have a duty to provide environmentally-friendly alternatives by supporting local producers."

Related Links:

Liberal Democrat Research from Supermarket Report by Norman Baker MP

Draft Food Industry Sustainability Strategy