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Note: Click on the links in this article to view examples of the type of information held in the FoodlineWeb databases.
I think it is bizarre that the two big food issues for
2010 are food security and obesity. Complete
opposites! On the one hand, we are going to run out
of food and starve. On the other, we are all too fat.
Maybe one will solve the other?
But it’s not that simple. The food security issue
is really a food distribution issue. We currently have
plenty of food to feed the world but it’s not spread
around the planet effectively. The UN estimates that
global food production must increase by 50% by 2030
and double by 2050 to meet Millennium Development
Goals on hunger. This will need scientific research –
not only on more effective ways to grow crops,
minimise water usage and optimise land and marine
use – but also how to reduce food waste.
So for 2010, Leatherhead Food Research has launched a new initiative to help
tackle the food security issue.
New food security role for Tony Hines
We are delighted to announce that Tony Hines, MBE, has been appointed to an
exciting new role as Head of Food Security, with a remit to liaise with industry and
Government Departments to identify what Leatherhead can do to help address the
food security issue via its research, consultancy and information services.
Tony has already demonstrated his knowledge and abilities in delivering excellent
Crisis Management and Food Chain Threat events and services to both industry and
the Food Standards Agency. His role has been expanded to include the very topical
issue of food security.
This year, Tony will be visiting Members, clients and other key stakeholders to
discuss what Leatherhead can do to help the industry and consumers minimise waste
and address sustainability targets. Research on shelf-life extension, portion size, diet
management, novel food packaging and innovative food distribution systems are all
important. He will be delivering presentations at conferences and seminars so please
watch out for him and let him know your views on this important topic.
Recent reports on food security
The Food & Drink Federation (FDF) recently issued its progress report on their five-fold
environmental ambition, first published in 2007. The food industry has demonstrated
continued progress under this programme (see below).
Food industry progress on sustainability
- FDF members have reduced their CO2 emissions by 19% between 1990 and 2008
- WRAP/FDF completed 13 waste prevention reviews of manufacturing sites
- Increased commitment to packaging reduction and recycling
- 45 food companies (turnover £17bn) are promoting greener food transport
- Water efficiency savings of 500,000 cubic metres
Source: FDF Progress Report 2009. Our Five-fold Environmental Ambition
Reports from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), the
Royal Society, the Cabinet Office, the National Farmer's Union, Chatham House, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), the
United Nations, G8, World Resources Institute, World
Health Organisation and the US Working Group on the
food crisis are just a selection of the many food security
reports recently published.
This plethora of recent reports on global warming,
population growth and increased demand for food
production highlights the importance of the food
security issue to the food industry. Even the role of GM
foods is back on the agenda, as evidenced by a recent
seminar at the Royal Society of Chemistry, where new
GM technologies were described that could be part of
the food shortage solution.
We have noticed that food security news stories
tend to concentrate on the "agri" part of the agri-food
chain. But we think that the food manufacturing industry
and retailers can play a massive part in reducing food
waste by using science to extend shelf life. Leatherhead
Food Research will be exploring new partnerships
to tackle the food security issue, including farmers,
consumers, universities, government departments,
pressure groups, the media and research institutes.
Please contact Tony Hines on T: +44 (0)1372 822245,
E: thines@leatherheadfood.com if you wish to discuss
this important issue.
Dr. Paul Berryman
Leatherhead Food Research
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