Sustainability

Sustainable food production provides wholesome food to consumers in a manner that simultaneously supports economic, environmental, and social performance improvements. This production takes place in a culture where all (customers, neighbors and co-workers) are treated with respect and the utilization of non-renewable resources is minimized. In addition, sustainable food production is achieved in facilities that are committed to managing risks and providing a safe workplace free of recognized hazards, and business is conducted in a transparent manner that incorporates the concerns of future generations in all decisions.

The Food Industry Environmental Council (FIEC), chaired by AFFI, has been actively involved in sustainable development issues since November 2001 when it created the U.S. Food and Drink Report for the Worldwide Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002.

In 2006, several food processors approached FIEC and requested that the coalition work with members through a “Sustainability Roundtable” to establish food industry sustainable principles and metrics. Subsequently the Roundtable discovered the need to establish a home for its sustainability initiative. The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) agreed to accept the responsibility to house this initiative. The Grocery Manufacturers Association established the Food and Beverage Industry (F&B) Sustainability Initiative to assist individual companies achieve sustainability goals. The Initiative is made up of various working groups pursuing goals and metrics for water use, packaging, and energy and climate change. There is also a team that is establishing “sustainability principles” for the food and consumer products industry.

Related Resources

Food Industry Environmental Council
Sustainability ResourcesU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Food Industry Environmental Council Sustainability Update - June 2007
Food, Beverage and Consumer Products Sustainability Initiative - 2007
UK Food Industry Sustainability Strategy - 2006
The UK Sustainable Food Industry Summit - Executive Summary - November 1, 2006
Draft Food & Beverage Industry Principles of Sustainability - November 1, 2006
Food & Beverage Industry Sustainability Roundtable Charter - September 28, 2006
U.S. Food Sector Report - World Summit on Sustainable Development - November 20, 2001