At this year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA in Berlin, Fairmiles took part in a dynamic roundtable hosted by COLEAD, where stakeholders from across the fresh produce sector came together to explore the role of trade, data, and climate justice in the transition to Net Zero.
The conversation surfaced a key concern: climate and sustainability policies are increasingly influenced by assumptions or incomplete data. Decisions on sourcing, transport, and emissions accounting too often ignore the broader social and economic realities—particularly the role that international trade plays in supporting livelihoods in low-income countries.
Discussions reinforced that climate justice must sit at the heart of Net Zero planning. Sustainability cannot come at the expense of the very communities already most affected by climate change. Trade, when done responsibly, remains a vital engine for development, especially for the most vulnerable regions. And while pressure is mounting to reduce airfreighted produce, blanket restrictions risk undermining both environmental goals and economic resilience. A more informed, nuanced approach is urgently needed.
Participants also highlighted two concerning trends. On one hand, there are growing efforts to delay or weaken climate commitments, often accompanied by misinformation or denial. On the other, well-intentioned policies—such as limiting airfreight—may inadvertently harm producers who depend on access to global markets, while failing to acknowledge the efficiency and necessity of these logistics networks.
As a sector, there is a clear need to push for climate strategies that are both ambitious and fair. That means improving the quality of data used to shape policy, recognising the complexity of global supply chains, and ensuring that the transition to Net Zero is genuinely inclusive.
Sustainability and fairness are not competing priorities—they are two sides of the same coin. And as we look ahead, we must ensure that no one is left behind in the path to climate progress.