UK Food Sector Outlines Plan to Reach Net-Zero Emissions by 2050

A new report by the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), in collaboration with EY and WRAP, has laid out a comprehensive plan for the UK food sector to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The report, titled “A Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK Food System,” provides an evidence-based framework for reducing emissions across the entire food supply chain, from agriculture to consumption. This ambitious plan is crucial, as the food and drink industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, contributing over £100 billion to the GDP and providing 4.4 million jobs, yet also accounts for 30% of the UK’s territorial emissions.

Key Strategies for Decarbonization

The report emphasizes a two-pronged approach: reducing emissions from the supply side and influencing demand through dietary changes.

Supply-Side Transformations

The plan targets significant reductions in emissions from various stages of the food supply chain:

• Agriculture: The report calls for a 70% reduction in agricultural emissions through the adoption of lower-carbon farming practices. This includes ending land-use change for imported commodities, reducing fertilizer emissions to zero, and embracing innovative, sustainable agricultural techniques. The report stresses the need for government incentives and investments to support farmers in this transition.
• Energy: The plan aims for a complete decarbonization of heat, electricity, and transport within the food sector. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency across the board.
• Logistics: The report emphasizes the importance of transitioning to zero-emission logistics, alongside advancements in recycling, reuse, and alternative materials.
• Food Waste Reduction: A critical component of the strategy involves halving food waste in the UK by 2030, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 and the Courtauld Commitment 2030. This measure alone is estimated to remove about five percent of all food-related emissions.

Demand-Side Adjustments

The report also highlights the need for shifts in consumer behavior and dietary habits:

• Dietary Changes: The report suggests that a 20% reduction in the consumption of red meat and dairy by 2050 is necessary for the UK to achieve its net-zero targets. This shift is supported by the NHS Eatwell Guide, promoting a move towards more plant-based diets and lower carbon foods like pulses.
• Public Awareness: The report advocates for public awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote these dietary changes, along with the reduction of household food waste.

Government’s Role in Enabling the Transition

The IGD report outlines 19 specific steps that the government can take to facilitate the food sector’s transition to net-zero. These include:

• Strengthening Policy: Implementing stronger policies related to farming and energy, providing clear direction for the industry.
• Supporting Domestic Farming: Providing immediate support for the domestic farming transition, including financial incentives for adopting sustainable practices.
• Setting Standards for Food Imports: Establishing new standards for food imports to ensure they align with the UK’s environmental targets.
• Investing in Infrastructure: Investing in major infrastructure and capacity for renewable energy, zero-emission logistics, and low-carbon heating and cooling.
• Collaboration: Fostering collaboration across various sectors of the food industry, trade associations, and government bodies, promoting pre-competitive collaboration.

Challenges and the Path Forward

The report acknowledges that meeting the 2030 emissions reduction targets will be “very challenging” but achievable with immediate and coordinated action. The food industry is urged to collaborate and engage with government to overcome potential obstacles.

Key Challenges

• Meeting 2030 Targets: The report emphasizes the urgency of addressing the pressing challenges of meeting net-zero targets by 2030 and 2050.
• Dietary Shifts: Achieving a shift in dietary habits is a complex task that requires public awareness, education, and potentially, policy intervention.
• Supply Chain Complexity: Reducing scope 3 emissions, which occur mainly during the production of raw materials, poses a significant challenge due to shared supply chains and complexity.
• Policy Implementation: Translating the report’s recommendations into effective government policies and actions requires coordinated effort.
• Investment: The transition will require significant investment in new technologies, infrastructure, and agricultural practices.

Moving Forward

• Urgent Action: The report emphasizes the need for urgent focus and partnership across the entire food system.
• Industry Collaboration: The plan calls for the food industry to come together and focus on solving the challenges collectively, beyond company-specific actions.
• Government Support: The government is urged to provide clear policy support, financial incentives, and regulatory frameworks.
• Consumer Engagement: The plan emphasizes the need to engage consumers in the transition, encouraging sustainable food choices and behaviors.

The Bigger Picture: UK’s Commitment to Net-Zero

The UK has a legally binding target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment requires significant changes across all sectors of the economy, including the food industry.

UK Net-Zero Targets

• 2050 Net-Zero Goal: The UK aims to eliminate its contribution to global warming by 2050.
• Interim Targets: The UK has also set interim emissions reduction targets, including a 78% reduction by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.
• Climate Change Committee (CCC): The Climate Change Committee has set recommendations for dietary shifts, including a 20% reduction in meat and dairy consumption by 2030 and a 35% reduction by 2050.

Food Sector’s Role

• Significant Contributor: The food and drink sector accounts for a substantial portion of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it a crucial area of focus for emissions reduction efforts.
• Global Context: The food system contributes around a third of global GHG emissions, highlighting the need for a global effort to decarbonize the food sector.
• Agri-Food System Emissions: The UK agri-food system accounts for almost a quarter of the UK’s emissions, underscoring the importance of addressing emissions from agriculture and land use.

The Importance of a Sustainable Food System

Achieving net-zero emissions in the food sector is crucial for both environmental and economic reasons.

• Environmental Sustainability: Reducing emissions from the food sector will help mitigate climate change, reduce deforestation, protect biodiversity and preserve natural resources.
• Economic Benefits: Transitioning to a more sustainable food system will help to secure jobs and growth in the UK, while improving the health and well-being of the population.
• Food Security: Building a resilient food system will ensure the UK has reliable access to nutritious food in the face of climate change and other challenges.

Conclusion

The IGD’s “Net Zero Transition Plan” provides a comprehensive and actionable framework for the UK food sector to achieve its ambitious net-zero targets by 2050. The plan calls for significant changes across the entire food supply chain, from farming to consumption, and emphasizes the need for collaboration between the industry, government, and consumers. While the challenges are significant, the report shows that the transition is possible with immediate and coordinated action. The coming years will be critical for implementing the plan and ensuring the UK food sector plays its part in achieving the country’s broader net-zero goals.