The environmental impact of the food and drink industry has been a topic of concern for quite some time. From sourcing ingredients to packaging products, virtually every stage of the food industry has been under scrutiny. It is alarming to know that nearly 1 billion tonnes of food is wasted each year, and food production accounts for 26% of total global greenhouse emissions. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action to reduce the environmental footprint of the food industry.
In response to these challenges, EIT Food has launched a new Alliance called The International Alliance for Food Impact Data. This initiative aims to develop and test standards for the environmental impact data of food. The Alliance will be convened by the Foundation Earth team, who have been leading efforts towards environmental scoring of food and drink products in Europe. This collaboration is a positive step towards addressing the lack of standards and coordination between stakeholders at both EU and international levels.
Environmental impact data is crucial for transforming food systems. Currently, there are numerous methods and labels used globally, but they adhere to different standards, making it difficult for stakeholders to assess the actual environmental impact of food products. The Alliance aims to improve the quantity and quality of data, focusing on generating more accurate data where it is most needed.
One of the key objectives of the Alliance is to make collecting and sharing data easier. This includes exploring ways to reuse existing data and enabling different systems to share data, reducing duplication of efforts. By developing internationally adopted standards for environmental scoring, the Alliance will help the food and drink industry meet its net-zero commitments.
The importance of being nature positive cannot be overstated. The Alliance recognizes this and is taking proactive steps to address the environmental impact of food and drink products. By working together to develop and implement standards for environmental impact data, the Alliance is paving the way for a more sustainable future for the food industry.
In conclusion, the launch of The International Alliance for Food Impact Data is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the food and drink industry. By establishing standards for environmental impact data, the Alliance is setting the stage for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious food system. It is through initiatives like these that we can work towards a healthier planet for future generations.