Food Miles and the True Cost of Imported vs. Local Produce in Ireland

Introduction 

As sustainability becomes a defining priority for individuals, industries, and policymakers alike, the concept of "food miles"—the distance food travels from its place of production to our plates—has taken centre stage in discussions about reducing environmental impact. This seemingly simple measure provides profound insights into the hidden costs of our modern food systems, from the carbon emissions generated by transportation to the economic and social consequences for local communities.

In Ireland, a country steeped in agricultural heritage and renowned for its fertile landscapes, the issue of food miles takes on particular importance. While Irish farms produce an abundance of high-quality food, the nation remains heavily reliant on imported goods, many of which could feasibly be sourced locally. Examining the environmental and economic consequences of this reliance, alongside the benefits of embracing local alternatives, offers valuable lessons for consumers, producers, and decision-makers in the collective pursuit of more sustainable choices.

What Are Food Miles and Why Do They Matter?

The term "food miles" refers to the journey food takes from its origin to the consumer, encompassing transportation by land, sea, or air. This journey contributes significantly to carbon emissions, packaging waste, and energy use. For Ireland, the stakes are high: while it produces a wealth of agricultural products, it also imports a vast quantity of food, much of which could potentially be grown or sourced locally.

Ireland’s Food Import Landscape:

• In 2022, Ireland imported over €10 billion worth of food and beverages, with staples like potatoes, onions, and even beef making up a surprising portion.
• Major sources include the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and further afield, with certain foods travelling thousands of kilometres before reaching Irish consumers.
• Globally, food transportation accounts for 6% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
  The reliance on imported food raises questions about its environmental costs and whether it undermines the resilience of local agricultural systems.

Environmental Impacts of Imported Food

1. Carbon Emissions from Long-Distance Transport: Every kilometre food travels adds to its carbon footprint. Imported produce, particularly from distant regions, often relies on energy-intensive transportation methods:

• Airfreight: The most carbon-intensive mode of transport, emitting 1.6 kg of CO2 per kilogram of food per 1,000 km.
• Sea freight: While less harmful at 0.02 kg of CO2 per kilogram per 1,000 km, its impact is magnified by the sheer distances involved.
• Road transport: Once in Ireland, imported food incurs additional emissions as it is distributed across the country
  

Take, for instance, an avocado imported from South America, which travels over 9,000 km. Its carbon footprint dwarfs that of locally-grown Irish apples, which travel only a few hundred kilometres at most.

2. Energy Use in Storage and Refrigeration: Imported foods often require prolonged refrigeration or freezing to ensure they remain edible upon arrival. This contributes further to their overall energy consumption and carbon emissions. In contrast, Irish-grown vegetables like carrots or parsnips typically require less energy to store due to their proximity to markets.

3. Packaging Waste: Food imported from distant regions is often heavily packaged to preserve freshness during transport, adding to the global plastic waste crisis. Locally-produced food often requires less packaging or is sold loose at farmers' markets, reducing this burden.

Economic Costs of Imported Food

1. Affecting Local Farmers: Choosing imported produce over local alternatives diminishes demand for home-grown food, negatively affecting Irish farmers. According to the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), the average farm income in 2022 was just €23,600, leaving many farmers struggling to make ends meet. Supporting local produce can help sustain farming livelihoods and ensure agricultural traditions are preserved.

2. Trade Dependence and Vulnerability: Ireland's reliance on imported food exposes it to global supply chain disruptions. Events like Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine have underscored the fragility of international trade. By investing in local food systems, Ireland can reduce its dependency on foreign imports and strengthen food security.

3. Economic Leakage: When consumers purchase imported food, a significant portion of their money leaves the Irish economy. Conversely, spending on Irish-grown produce supports local jobs in farming, processing, and retail, with every €10 spent locally generating an estimated €25 in economic activity (Irish Local Development Network).

Barriers to Buying Local Produce

Despite the environmental and economic advantages of choosing local food, several challenges make it difficult for consumers to consistently support Irish-grown produce:

1. Perceived Cost of Local Food: A common misconception is that locally-produced food is always more expensive. While this can be true in some cases—particularly for organic produce—much of the perceived cost difference arises from supermarket pricing strategies, where imported goods are often subsidised or bulk-priced. However, when factoring in hidden costs such as environmental degradation, carbon emissions, and economic leakage, local food often represents better overall value.

2. Limited Availability and Seasonality: Ireland's climate naturally restricts the range of foods that can be grown locally, and seasonal availability further narrows consumer options. For example, while Irish-grown strawberries are widely available in summer, they are replaced by imports in winter. Consumers accustomed to year-round access to certain products may find it inconvenient to adjust their habits to eat seasonally.

3. Awareness and Convenience: Many consumers lack awareness of the environmental benefits of local food or the impact of food miles. Additionally, local produce is often perceived as harder to access, as supermarkets prioritise imports to maintain consistent supply chains. While farmers' markets and farm shops are growing in popularity, they are still less accessible than large grocery chains for many Irish households.

4. Fragmented Supply Chains: Small-scale farmers in Ireland often struggle to compete with the efficiency and scale of international supply chains. Investing in better infrastructure for local food distribution could help bridge this gap, making it easier for local produce to reach consumers.

Why Buying Local Matters

1. Lower Carbon Footprint: Locally-grown food reduces transportation emissions and eliminates the need for long-haul refrigeration. For instance, Irish potatoes emit an estimated 0.16 kg of CO2 per kilogram, compared to imported potatoes, which can exceed 1 kg CO2 per kilogram.

2. Support for the Irish Economy: Ireland’s agriculture sector employs over 163,000 people, accounting for 7.1% of total employment. Spending locally supports these jobs and ensures a vibrant rural economy.

3. Fresher, Healthier Food: Locally-produced food is often fresher, as it spends less time in transit. This means better flavour, improved nutritional value, and fewer preservatives compared to imported alternatives.

Solutions to Encourage Local Buying

1. Promote Seasonal Eating: Awareness campaigns can educate consumers on the benefits of eating Irish-grown produce in season, such as strawberries in summer or root vegetables in winter.

2. Expand Farmers’ Markets: Ireland boasts over 150 farmers' markets, but expanding their reach and accessibility could help more consumers connect with local producers.

3. Invest in Local Supply Chains: Improved logistics for small-scale farmers can make their products more widely available in supermarkets, levelling the playing field with imports.

4. Policy Support: Government incentives for buying local, such as tax breaks for retailers stocking Irish produce, could make local food more competitive.

5. Certifications and Branding: Clear labelling, such as Bord Bia’s Origin Green initiative, helps consumers identify and trust sustainably-produced Irish food.

Conclusion: 

Choosing Irish-grown produce is more than a personal preference; it’s an investment in a sustainable, resilient food system. By reducing food miles, supporting local farmers, and fostering economic self-sufficiency, consumers can play a pivotal role in shaping a greener future for Ireland. While imported foods will always have a place in a globalised world, prioritising local produce whenever possible is a simple yet powerful step toward sustainability.

So next time you shop, consider not just the price tag, but the journey your food has taken—and opt for locally-grown options that nourish not only your body but also Ireland’s land and communities.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.