National Farmers Union Scotland calls for food labeling standards to drive F&B security

28 Nov 2023 --- National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland is looking to the UK and Scottish governments for food labeling changes that will underpin the nation’s food security, self-sufficiency and bolster the home production of high-quality food.

Speaking at AgriScot, a key agricultural event in Scotland taking place last week, NFU Scotland’s president, Martin Kennedy, said a new labeling initiative backed by governments, retailers, food processors, the food service sector, catering and consumers would properly recognize high production standards and make it easier for all parts of the food chain to support domestic production.

Call for greater transparency
The NFU has begun discussions with politicians and other stakeholders around a label that could clearly identify food products where more than 50% of ingredients had been sourced from outside the UK. 

Greater transparency on where food has been sourced from would allow consumers to make more informed choices.

 A labeling initiative can provide consumers with better information about the food's origin, says Kennedy.Speaking to an industry seminar attended by more than 300 visitors to the event, Kennedy said: “As an industry, we are extremely proud of what we produce and how we produce it, but sadly when it comes to generating a return, it doesn’t stack up.”

“A labeling initiative could allow us to better inform our consumers about the origin of all the food and drink they are purchasing and allow them to make informed decisions. I firmly believe that this is where we could see governments and industry working together like never before.”

Kennedy believes loyalty to domestic production from all parts of the food chain can be supported by a legislative change to labeling that would enhance the ability to keep producing food profitably and locally.

“It is a huge frustration to farmers and crofters when we regularly see our own produce, which has been raised and grown to some of the highest standards, being undermined by imports that often fail to meet or match our standards of production.” 

“Here in Scotland, we have a fantastic opportunity to address this through the Good Food Nation Act, expected early next year, whereby undisputed transparency of where our food comes from will allow our consumers to make a real informed choice. Our consumers showed real loyalty to our products throughout the recent pandemic, and we must build on that momentum.”

UK-wide requirements
However, Kennedy remarked that the success of any labeling initiative would be dependent on it being applied across the UK. 

“This would be a real game changer in terms of supporting our own food producers,” he added. 

Kennedy also explained that at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Farm to Fork summit in Downing Street earlier this year, he made “a clear commitment to supporting domestic production and self-sufficiency and addressing our record on food security.”

“More transparent labeling presents an opportunity to be part of that commitment,” he underscored. “Clearly identifying where food has been sourced from will also highlight how robust and genuine our retailer and food service sector promises on supporting local produce really are.” 

What’s in a label?
Eco-labels and greenwashing claims have come under fire in industry over the last few months, with companies pushing for legislation and regulation to keep claims accurate. 

Companies are pushing for legislation and regulation to keep eco-label claims accurate.A recent study released by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Food Consumer Observatory revealed that the majority of Europeans would welcome an international eco-label on food products to help them make more sustainable purchasing decisions. 

The study of 10,000 consumers across 18 European countries found that more than two-thirds would embrace a universal label signaling the environmental impact of food products. Only 13% indicated they would be unlikely to use such a label.

The packaging’s recyclability, animal welfare and pollution and use of chemicals and fertilizers were the areas that consumers most wanted to see covered by an eco-label (90%, 89% and 88%, respectively).

The EU is addressing greenwashing concerns and setting higher standards for companies that make vague, partial or false claims about their ecological impact. The “Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition” directive — if approved by the European Parliament — will require brands making claims like “carbon neutral” or “green” to provide sufficient evidence.

Edited by Elizabeth Green