Common ground in the food system over food justice
The Food and Fairness Inquiry was commissioned by the Food Ethics Council and the final report published in July 2010. Its findings formed part of the debate at the Food Justice conference held by the FEC and the New Economics Foundation in London.
Melanie Leech, director general of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and inquiry panel-member explains why industry interests needed to be part of the conversation – and the common ground discovered with other actors.
She says the FDF already has a set of commitments on sustainability and fairness that manufacturers may take on board, such as carbon reduction, using water better, reducing food waste, helping consumers reduce waste in the home, food miles, and health issues.
While the appointment of an ombudsman or adjudicator to implement the new code of conduct for retailer-supplier relations is welcome, especially to SMEs, Leech is disappointed that the timetable seems to be slipping, with the appointment now likely on 2012, and urges the government to speed up.
