Food Miles No Measure

New Zealand First is pleased that Britain will not be pursuing the idea of a food miles tax on New Zealand exports.

“The concept of food miles was recently used by a British Cabinet Minister to exploit global concerns about the environment and climate change to install what is essentially a non-tariff barrier to trade,” said Economic Development spokesperson Doug Woolerton.

“While in no way denying the realities of climate change and the concept of the carbon footprint, the suggestion that New Zealand agricultural exports should be subject to a tax based on the distance travelled takes no account of our energy efficient farming practices.

“Energy-wise, New Zealand is far more efficient at producing and transporting agricultural products than Britain, and it’s pleasing that Tony Blair has reassured the Prime Minister that he will not be pursuing the food miles tax.

“However, we must be proactive in assuring British consumers that they are not contributing to global warming by buying our products. Growing consumer awareness of environmental issues means that as a distant nation we are particularly vulnerable to such misconceptions,” said Mr Woolerton.

ENDS

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