Using a measure it calls the 'land footprint', Friends of the Earth Europe has calculated the amount of land it takes to produce all the agricultural goods used in Europe. The answer is 269 million hectares. That’s 43% more agricultural land than is available within the EU itself, meaning an area almost the size of France and Italy combined is used outside of our borders.
Nearly three-quarters of the EU Land Footprint is related to the consumption of animal products, but the surging demand for vegetable oils, especially for non-food purposes like bioenergy and biofuels, is also a cause for concern. Land is increasingly being used for this purpose in tropical regions in Southeast Asia and South America, contributing to increased pressure on natural ecosystems and local communities.
Land used outside the EU may not be subject to equivalent regulations regarding environmental protection, property protection or land-use. The report argues that EU policies must take these remote impacts into account.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
