More than half of UK consumers want to buy local, cut world "food miles"

More than half of British consumers want more locally-produced food available on supermarket shelves, according to a survey.

The new figures reveal that 53 per cent of consumers believe retailers need to do more to promote British products and 41 per cent think that shops should provide more information about the distance the product has travelled.

One in five consumers already avoid products that have come from around the world, due to concerns over the environmental impact of food miles.

"Food miles are now high on the consumer agenda. People are becoming increasingly aware of just how far their food has had to travel. Many are also clearly frustrated by the fact that we are not making more of the produce that is grown on British soil," said Neil Mason,a retail analyst.

"As climate scientists warn us that we have just 10 years to stabilise global emissions, it seems ridiculous to be flying food half-way round the world," said Emily Armisted of Greenpeace.

However, there are concerns that developing world agriculture will suffer and livelihoods will be threatened if a drive towards local produce gains too much momentum.

Farmers Guardian