The EU's hardline stance on genetically modified crops is hampering producers' ability to reduce food waste.
That's according to the NFU, which was providing evidence to the House of LordsEU sub-committee on agriculture, fisheries, environment and energyon 23 October.During the two-hour session as part of the sub-committee’s inquiry into food waste,the NFU also said that a relaxation of the regulations around plant protection products would also help cut the amount of food wasted as a result of poor weather, pests and diseases.
Food waste has been thrown into the spotlight with Tesco announcing a range of initiatives to cut the “staggeringly high” levels of waste in its supply chain – from farm to plate. Almost all the food wasted along the supermarket's chain happens either before it leaves the farm, or after it's left the store. This has thrown the practice of 'ploughing in' food crops into the spotlight.
Last month, a report by the UK's Global Food Security programme found that retailer standards can reject up to 40 per cent of edible produce due to product-grading standards. Meanwhile, a report by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers also suggested that30 per cent of the UK vegetable crop is never harvested due to 'fussy' retailer standards.
Providing evidence to theLords EU Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Energy on 23 October, NFU environment policy advisor Anna Simpson highlighted reports from members who have had crops rejected due to exacting standards. She also claimed that certain EU policies were not helping farmers reduce crop losses and damage.
“We feel that if this technology [GM] is not pursued in the EU it could give us a competitive disadvantage as it restricts the technologies [we can use] to develop drought-resistant crops. Without these tools in our toolbox, we are at a disadvantage [when it comes to] reducing our food waste.”
The committee is considering whether food waste needs to be incorporated into the EU retail chain action plan.
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