KEY POINTS:
New Zealand must continue to push its environmental credentials if it is to effectively tackle the issue of "food miles", says Trade Minister Phil Goff.
Mr Goff has released a report into attitudes in Britain over the food miles debate.
"Food miles" is the term used to describe the distance goods must travel to reach their market.
Supporters of "buy local" campaigns say the further goods must travel, the greater their environmental damage due to the fuel used and carbon emitted in their transport.
However, the Government and exporters have been waging a campaign to convince British regulators and consumers to look at the carbon footprint of the whole lifecycle of a product.
They say key New Zealand products have a lower carbon footprint than their British counterparts even after they have been transported half way around the world, because of more efficient production.
The report, done by Fishburn Hedges, says that recognition of the food miles term is growing - by up to about two-thirds of consumers - but regulators and leading commentators are becoming aware of its limitations.
It says many New Zealand products are premium goods that are bought by wealthier educated consumers who are more likely to understand the issues.
But it says a continuing campaign will be necessary to ensure that viewpoint continues to gain traction.
Mr Goff said New Zealand's branding as a sustainable country would be vitally important to convince foreign customers to buy New Zealand goods.
"The report supports the continued efforts by New Zealand producers and the Government to expose the flaws of the food miles argument and to focus on the greenhouse gas footprint of the full life-cycle of the product, and to emphasise New Zealand's sustainability credentials."
- NZPA
