Food and Drink Federation| Source | Download |
Introduction: The UK food and drink industry plays a pivotal role in global efforts to combat climate change, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040 and limit global warming to 1.5°C, urgent action is required. Here are key policy recommendations to accelerate decarbonization:
- Clear Targets and Regulation: Establish ambitious emissions reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Introduce regulatory measures to enforce compliance and incentivize adoption of sustainable practices.
- Collaborative Initiatives: Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders across the supply chain. Encourage knowledge sharing and collective action to drive innovation and accelerate decarbonization efforts.
- Financial Incentives: Provide financial incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies to promote investment in low-carbon technologies and sustainable farming practices. Implement carbon pricing mechanisms to internalize the cost of emissions.
- Research and Development: Increase funding for research and development in sustainable agriculture, food processing, and packaging technologies. Foster innovation to develop scalable solutions for emissions reduction.
- Consumer Education: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the environmental impact of food choices. Promote sustainable diets and empower consumers to make informed decisions.
- Supplier Engagement: Encourage food and drink manufacturers to work with suppliers to reduce emissions throughout the value chain. Emphasize procurement of lower-carbon ingredients and packaging materials.
- Certified Carbon Offsets: Support the use of high-quality carbon offsets to compensate for unavoidable emissions. Ensure transparency and accountability in offsetting practices.
By implementing these policy measures, the UK can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon food and drink sector, contributing to global climate goals while fostering economic growth and resilience.