The contribution that food consumption makes to UK greenhouse gas emissions will be highlighted at a seminar at the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute tomorrow (Wednesday 3rd February).

A four-year study of the impact of food on climate change by the Food Climate Research Network found that measured by production, the UK food sector produces greenhouse gases equivalent to 33 million tonnes of carbon. Meat and dairy sectors together accounted for just over half of those emissions; potatoes, fruit and vegetables for 15%; drinks and other products with sugar for another 15%; and bread, pastry and flour for 13%.

The report also revealed which parts of the food chain were the most polluting. Although packaging has had a lot of media and political attention, it only ranked fifth in importance behind agriculture, especially the methane produced by livestock burping, manufacturing, transport, and cooking and refrigeration at home.

Tara Garnett, co-ordinator of the Food Climate Research Network based at the University of Surrey will be discussing the topics at her seminar, ‘Life, the universe and livestock: can we make it work? The relationship between livestock and sustainability, and an exploration of some possible futures’ which will provide an overview of the technological options for tackling food related greenhouse gas emissions plus consumer behaviour towards food purchasing and how this might be influenced in more sustainable directions.

Ms Garnett explains, “With binding targets to reduce CO2 emissions and with the food chain accounting for around 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to explore how food-related emissions might be reduced.”

The seminar takes place from 2pm at The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen. The seminar is free and open to the public but prior registration is required by contacting Jenna Gray on 01224 395000 or j.gray@macaulay.ac.uk.

ENDS

Information for Editors:

The Food Climate Research Network

The Food Climate Research Network which brings together individuals from across the food industry, Government and academic sectors to share information on issues relating to food and climate change. The Network is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is based at the University of Surrey’s Centre for Environmental Strategy.

Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute was founded in 1930 and is an international centre for research and consultancy on the environmental and social consequences of rural land uses. With an annual income from research and consultancy of over £14m, the Institute is the largest interdisciplinary research organisation of its kind in Europe, and aims to provide evidence to help shape future environmental and rural-development policy on a national and international basis.

Issued by:

Clare Neely
PR and Communications Manager
Communication Services
The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute
Craigiebuckler
Aberdeen AB15 8QH

Tel: 01224 395087
Fax: 01224 395010
macaulay.ac.uk