Green, healthy and fair

A review of government�s role in supporting sustainable supermarket food

The Sustainable Development Commission has conducted a review of government�s role to enable supermarkets to deliver a sustainable food system in the UK.

The review focuses on the role of government in supporting sustainable supermarket food in the UK. We review the effectiveness of government policies towards the food system and supermarkets and the extent to which these policies are helping or hindering progress towards sustainable development.

"Government cannot resolve the problems of obesity, waste or climate change alone. Given the enormous influence wielded by supermarkets, working with them effectively is essential." - Tim Lang, SDC Commissioner

Our research shows that supermarkets are frustrated by a perceived lack of long-term government strategy on how the food sector can and must contribute to government policy goals. In the course of this review, supermarkets said they were willing to work with government to develop a coherent vision for a green, healthy and fair food system, with a roadmap that identifies priorities for retailers, continues to build the evidence base and implements the range of policy tools that will enable progress.

Specifically we identify six key priority areas for government and supermarket action on:
� Climate Change
� Waste
� Water
� Ecosystems
� Nutrition and obesity
� Fair Supply Chains

The research and evidence gathered as part of this review has been submitted to the Prime Minister�s Strategy Unit Food Policy Review. We shall be discussing our recommendations with relevant Whitehall departments and with food retailers. We shall also be engaging in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where administrations are currently developing new policy initiatives towards food, farming and nutrition.

Publications

� Green, healthy and fair - A review of the government's role in supporting sustainable supermarket food
� Full press release

Research
� Supermarkets Thematic Review: Stakeholder Consultation Report
� Vision for a Sustainable Food Chain - Workshop Report