Global logistics expert dismisses food miles argument

The food miles debate is “totally discriminatory and foolish” an international expert in supply chain management told the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation (CBAFF) annual conference in Nelson today (Thursday May 3).

Professor Alan Stenger, the first Ports of Auckland Visiting Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the University of Auckland Business School, said the food miles issue had to be put in context with all other factors involved in the entire supply chain, from farm to supermarket shelf.

Prof. Stenger, citing research from Lincoln University, told the 130 conference delegates that New Zealand’s world leading food production methods meant food and agricultural exports could still reach European supermarket shelves having made a smaller carbon emission footprint than the same product sourced locally.

Other factors that had to be considered were modes of transport used, infrastructure levels – both transport and IT – and methods of production.

Global concern about carbon emissions meant New Zealand’s exporters must ensure supply chain management and logistics skills are as efficient as possible.

“This is critical for New Zealand companies seeking to operate successfully in the international arena, and very valuable for competing domestically," Professor Stenger said.

The Ports of Auckland Chair in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is funded by Ports of Auckland with a $1 million grant over five years.

CBAFF President Willie van Heusden agreed the food miles debate was overly simplistic but warned New Zealand Inc had to educate consumers at the end of the supply chain.

“By and large, New Zealand food is delivered by sea. Shipping is considerably less damaging to the environment than moving goods by air, and in some cases, importing goods by ship is actually more sustainable than buying locally made products,” said Mr van Heusden.

“New Zealand farmers are renowned for their sustainable farming practices and there is strong evidence that our dairy industry in particular is less energy intensive than North American and European dairy farming. “

The theme of this year’s CBAFF conference is New Zealand Inc in a Borderless World and focuses on the challenges and opportunities globalisation has on the customs broking and freight forwarding industry.

ENDS

© Scoop Media