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Food and the Environment

The impact that the food industry can have on the environment is causing increasing concern, particularly in respect of:  

1. The impact that pesticides and other chemicals can have on the environment and the health of agricultural workers, particularly in developing counties where controls and restrictions may be more lax, and
2. The impact of transporting food around the world – known as food miles, and the impact that this has on global warming

Organic local foods are becoming increasingly popular, with farmers markets springing up and supermarkets now sourcing local organic foods for their stores. Many people also feel that these foods taste better and maintain more of their nutritional value.

 

Organic foods are usually more expensive, and this price premium has led to allegations that some foods are misleadingly labelled or are fraudulent. Care is therefore needed when sourcing organic foods.

 

A good source of information is the Soil Association|.