SA perishable exports could face global warming ‘ban’ Tesco to give products a carbon rating

ED RICHARDSON
AFRICAN FARMERS are threatened by more than climate change through global warming – supermarket chains in the UK are now looking at taking off their shelves fresh fruit, fish, vegetables and flowers that have been air freighted into the market. This is in a bid to curb global carbon dioxide emissions. Tesco has announced that all products sold in its stores will receive a carbon rating, which will include the energy required for the manufacture and transportation of the packaging. This follows an announcement by supermarket rivals Marks & Spencer of a five-year plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 80% by 2012. Airfreight is being targeted because of its growth. According to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), between 2004 and 2005 CO2 emissions from domestic British aviation increased by 7.1%, while international aviation emissions grew by 5.7% due to more flights. South African and Namibian exports of fresh fish will be affected if the cut-back on airfreight spreads to Europe and other markets.