Sustainable food promotes a responsible use of resources, recognises possible ill-health effects, reduces negative environmental impacts and provides a basis for long term, sustained, production.

Virtually all governments have agreed "sustainable development" is the way forward. The UK government has produced a 'Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food' as part of that agenda.

Sustainable Food:

* enhances the environment
* ensures adequate profit
* encourages social involvement
* evolves to remain vital forever

Look at what comes with your food.

While sustainable food includes organic food, it also looks at the social aspects of food production, where many people in the food chain can not afford the food they produce.

Ethical food, according the UN FAO, implies production is responsible, transparent and accountable and provides a forum for debate and dialogue on ethical issues and unethical behaviour with respect to food and agriculture.

"Sustainable food" may include ethical issues, but is more material oriented ensuring that food products are healthy and with less negative impacts on the environment than conventional food. Sustainable Food is the product of sustainable farming and sustainable food production and distribution.

While some people refer to the "Food Chain", we prefer the term "Food Cycle" - to indicate the interlinking of all the elements in the food process. At each stage there are environmental and health impacts, which you may able to influence.

Links to 'Sustainable Farming'