We’ve written a lot in the past about how more consumers are being conscious about what they eat — they are looking healthy options like organic and all natural. Many are interested in green and sustainable practices and businesses have been taking notice, too.
Let’s get a refresher on what sustainability really is when it comes to food production. According to 1990 “Farm Bill,”
“the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:
- satisfy human food and fiber needs
- enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends
- make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
- sustain the economic viability of farm operations
- enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”
source: http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/agnic/susag.shtml
And just recently, McDonald’s has proudly announced that are serving MSC -certified sustainable fish — the first USA chain to do so. According to their press release,
“McDonald’s collaboration with the Marine Stewardship Council is a critical part of our company’s journey to advance positive environmental and economic practices in our supply chain,” said Dan Gorsky, senior vice president of U.S. supply chain and sustainability. “We’re extremely proud of the fact that this decision ensures our customers will continue to enjoy the same great taste and high quality of our fish with the additional assurance that the fish they are buying can be traced back to a fishery that meets MSC’s strict sustainability standard.”