Soil Association air freight decision due as fears arise for developing countries

In a textbook example of conflicting 'green' motives, the proposed ban on air-freighting for food certified organic by the Soil Association has thrown up a new debate: could such a ban harm producers in the developing world?

At present, many of these producers rely on profits made by selling their products to the West, but a ban on air freighting would make this difficult, and in some cases impossible. The International Trade Centre (ITC) has painted a grim picture for developing world exporters, claiming that they could lose their share of an estimated $66 million in annual retail sales if Britain’s leading certifier of organic produce goes ahead with its proposal and refuses to certify air freighted food.

The Soil Association is due to announce its decision on air freighting on 25th October, but whichever way it chooses to go, the dilemma remains for consumers. Do you support the ban, which could cut down significantly on C02 emissions and take away the hypocrisy of buying earth-friendly, organic food that has been flown in, or do you think the cost to the farmers is too great?

[Via New Consumer]