Researchers from the State of Victoria’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have discovered an eco-friendly way to use the by-products of winemaking to improve the quality and quantity of milk production. Scientists at the DPI’s Centre for Dairy Excellence, at Ellinbank, found that supplementing the cows’ feed with the stems, seeds and skins from wine grapes reduced their emissions by 20 per cent, increased milk production by five per cent and increased the healthy fatty acids in their... ...Read more »

Research released today by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) predicts that, under the Federal Government’s carbon tax, Australian food manufacturers’ operating profits will fall by an average of 4.4 per cent in 2012-13. The carbon price of A$23 per tonne will be a “real hit” to profits for Australia’s largest manufacturing sector, according to the AFGC. Global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney undertook the research. It claims that losses in profitability could reach... ...Read more »

A report commissioned by the UK government on how to improve environmental labelling on food products has outlined the difficulties of producing a single “green” label. The report by the University of Hertfordshire, the Food Ethics Council and the Policy Studies Institute today (7 February) revealed that the number of different environmental labels on food – covering issues such as carbon emissions and water use – has been growing. The number of labels, the report noted, has... ...Read more »

Italian confectionary maker Ferrero is looking to cut its carbon emissions by 17% by 2013 as part of a sustainability drive outlined in a report published by the maker of Ferrero Rocher, Rafaello, Nutella and Kinder yesterday.”We are proud of the fact that the commitment to Ferrero entrepreneurial values goes together with our engagement of working for the benefit of the local communities and territories where we operate,” said Pietro Ferrero CEO of Ferrero International. “The respect... ...Read more »

European drinks trade publication the drinks business has awarded Tesco their Green Retailer of the Year award, for demonstrated business practices in improving environmental credentials in the drinks retailing industry. Tesco reports that their efforts in packaging reduction, efficient distribution and customer education have had a tangible positive effect on retailing alcoholic drinks. Initiatives such as Tetra Pak wine packaging, made from 75% low-carbon paperboard, have been extremely successful,... ...Read more »

Australian food and beverage manufacturers are calling on the government to match the efforts of other advanced economies when it comes to climate change policy rather than go it alone with their own scheme. AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said that, while the industry supported action on climate change, it is concerned about compromising the competitiveness of Australian manufacturing. “We absolutely agree with the statement made by the Prime Minister following Copenhagen and Minister Wong... ...Read more »

The inclusion of food processing in the Coalition’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) amendments has been well received by the leading representative of food manufacturers in the country – the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC). Under the Coalition’s proposed amendments to the CPRS legislation, key export industries will be better supported including food processing, which is Australia largest manufacturing sector. “AFGC congratulates the Coalition for its willingness... ...Read more »

Key elements of the EU food industry should be exempt from plans to auction carbon dioxide emissions permits from 2013, the European Commission has said. The EU executive has unveiled a draft list of businesses it fears could relocate to jurisdictions with weaker climate change rules. Under the list released on Friday (18 September), selected industries would have free carbon credits from 2013 to 2020 and pollution permits would be capped at the 2007-8 levels of the most efficient 10% of companies... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), the nation’s peak body representing food and grocery manufacturers, has urged the government to make sure they understand the real impact that an emissions trading scheme will have on consumers. AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell claimed the government continued to overlook the issue of how the proposed emissions trading scheme will impact on the consumers. “The government has been saying all along that costs will be passed through the supply... ...Read more »

British Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has called on supermarkets and food companies to give shoppers clearer information on where their food comes from.He made the call as he urged people to buy more local produce and stressed that protecting the environment is vital to increasing food production. “When you buy a car you know its service history. When you buy a house you get a detailed survey. So why do we accept knowing so much less about what we are putting into our bodies?” Mr... ...Read more »