Latest research suggests that at least 18 million livelihoods in developing countries are supported by airfreighted fresh produce.

The latest research conducted by Fairmiles estimates that around 18 million people in developing countries benefit from fresh produce exported to European markets by airfreight.

The research builds on an earlier study conducted in 2023 which found that at least 5 million people in Africa rely on airfreighted horticulture based on research conducted mainly in East Africa. The latest findings are based on research carried out over a far wider area involving producers from 21 countries spanning Africa and Latin America.

The full findings of the research will be presented during a roundtable meeting which will being held at the Press Club Brussels Europe on the 30th of April at 1130 CET . The roundtable will discuss the question of whether it is fair to ban airfreighted fresh produce in order to achieve Net Zero emissions. It will be attended by representatives of fresh produce exporters, retailers, industry associations, logistics companies, NGOs and government.

For further details of the roundtable and to register to join online, please click here.

Fairmiles is made up a of organisations representing fresh produce businesses, academia and the international development sector. Its aim is to establish a just and equitable strategy, consistent with the principles of Climate Justice to ensure we achieve Net Zero without stopping vital market access for developing world producers. Founding partners include ODI, University of Northampton, University of Exeter, COLEAD, Beanstalk.Global and Blue Skies.

Simon Derick, Head of Sustainability at the fruit manufacturer Blue Skies and a founding member of the Fairmiles consortium, said “This latest research further underscores the important impact that air freighted fresh produce has in developing countries. With a strong turnout expected at our roundtable meeting on the 30th of April, it also highlights how we have a crucial responsibility to ensure a proper, balanced debate on this issue to ensure we can achieve Net Zero without having unintended consequences on vulnerable communities”.

Take part in our research to understand the impact of airfreight on livelihoods

Fairmiles is conducting research to widen its understanding of the benefits of airfreighting fresh produce, with a particular emphasis on how its impact on livelihoods in developing countries.

The research will be presented at a roundtable meeting in Brussels on April 30th.

If you are involved in imports or exports of airfreighted fresh produce we would be grateful if you could complete our short survey using the link below by the 15th April.

This will help to provide us with information we need to be able to make our case.

Click here to complete the survey

Any information you provide will be anonymised and treated in strict confidence.

On behalf of us all at Fairmiles, we wish to thank you for your help.

 

Climate Justice Implications of Banning Air-Freighted Fresh Produce

Abstract

Background: Airfreight transport refers to the shipment of goods by air from one location to another and is often perceived as a contributor to global carbon emissions. The environmental impacts associated with airfreight are of notable and genuine concern. Such concerns have often led to calls for measures to ban or limit air freight as a mode of transportation for goods. Whilst the majority of these calls are perceived to be well placed, it is nevertheless essential to acknowledge the climate justice implications associated with such measures, particularly in the context of perishable products like fresh produce.

Methods: The aim of this study is to thoroughly examine the socioeconomic implications of banning air-freighted fresh produce and to recommend practices that can minimize the environmental impacts. Utilizing Blue Skies Holdings Ltd., Pitsford, UK as a case study, this paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the potential climate justice ramifications associated with the prohibition of air-freighted fresh produce.

Results: The analysis highlights the intricate interplay between the environmental and socioeconomic dimensions of the issue. By investigating the carbon emissions attributed to aviation and air logistics in particular and meticulously scrutinizing the possible consequences of an airfreight ban in relation to vulnerable communities within developing economies that are heavily reliant on fresh produce exports, the study contributes insights to guide policy discourse and the decision-making processes within commercial entities with respect to their carbon emissions reduction strategies.

Conclusions: Accordingly, this study provides a number of recommendations for various actors, particularly commercial stakeholders, who deal with air-freighted fresh produce.

Keywords: aviation logistics; climate justice; carbon footprint; net zero; airfreight; fresh produce

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