Fairmiles, a global coalition advocating for a fair and inclusive approach to Net Zero, will be engaging key produce industry stakeholders at Fruit Logistica 2025 to discuss its 2025 action plan, including the development of Climate Justice Guidelines for Buyers.
As airfreight comes under increasing scrutiny, with some European retailers moving to restrict or ban airfreighted fresh produce, Fairmiles is working to ensure that climate policies reduce emissions without harming vulnerable communities in the Global South.
“Net Zero strategies must not become a barrier to trade,” said James MacGregor, a development economist and Fairmiles member. “Restricting airfreighted produce will not stop flights from taking off, but it will devastate the livelihoods of millions of farmers and workers who rely on access to international markets.”
Interactive Roundtable at Fruit Logistica
To advance its mission, Fairmiles will host an interactive roundtable discussion at Fruit Logistica 2025, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. The session will introduce Fairmiles, share the latest research on airfreighted fresh produce, and explore how businesses can align their climate commitments with trade justice.
📅 Date: Thursday, 6th February
⏰ Time: 2–3 PM
📍 Venue: COLEAD Booth, Hall 36, Stand F81
The event is being hosted in partnership with COLEAD, a key supporter of Fairmiles’ mission to balance sustainability with economic development.
“We are grateful to COLEAD and our other partners for providing a platform to discuss how businesses can commit to Net Zero while ensuring that policies do not unintentionally push people into poverty,” said Simon Derrick, a founding member of Fairmiles.
Developing Climate Justice Guidelines for Buyers
A key focus for Fairmiles in 2025 is the development of Climate Justice Guidelines for Buyers—a framework to help retailers and importers align Net Zero goals with fair trade principles. These guidelines will ensure that businesses take a balanced and science-based approach to emissions reduction without unfairly disadvantaging suppliers in developing countries.
“Decarbonisation strategies must consider the full picture—environmental, economic, and social impacts,” said Dr. Ebenezer Laryea, Reader in Sustainable Development Law at Aston University. “Bans on airfreighted produce disproportionately impact producers in the Global South while doing little to curb global emissions.”
A Call to Action for Retailers and Policymakers
Fairmiles calls on retailers, policymakers, and sustainability leaders to engage in open dialogue about responsible emissions reduction strategies. The organisation will continue working with academia, the air cargo industry, fresh produce businesses, and international development groups to advance climate justice within global trade policies.