UK agricultural supply industry already working towards Government goals

Britain's farm supply network is already preparing to address the challenges posed by climate change, says the Agricultural Industries Confederation in response to the Government's proposals to set legally binding carbon reduction targets.

It is important for politicians and public alike to understand that the whole industry – both farm suppliers and farming itself – uses just 1.8% of the UK's total energy consumption but produces 70% of the UK's food supply," said Jane Salter, AIC's Head of Environmental Policy.

"What's more, the agriculture, with all its supporting industries produces 40% more energy in food than is consumed in its production."

However, the agrisupply industry is not ignoring the challenges that climate change pose. AIC has set up working parties to address the issues raised in the Stern Report.

"Economic and competitive pressure has already driven many manufacturing facilities towards maximising energy efficiency," said Mrs Salter. "Nevertheless opportunities still exist to make marginal improvements in manufacturing as well as in areas such as transportation and packaging."