Sustainability

The UK Cider Industry already plays a positive role in the rural economy. Nearly half of all of the apples grown in the UK are used by the industry and in the last decade more than 8,000 acres of new orchards have been planted following investment by some of the larger cider producers. This investment will continue whilst the industry is in growth and a stable and sensible duty regime exists.

Recognising that cider apple orchards are already a beneficial use of agricultural land, the NACM is determined to develop strategies to enhance the positive impact of the industry.

A key element of this is in the area of sustainability where the NACM has created a working group to consider the opportunities. The NACM wants to develop practices that will create sustainable opportunities that further enhance the industry or the areas and environment where it operates.

Sustainable development can be defined as that which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The NACM understands that the long-term economic viability of the industry depends upon:

• Understanding and minimizing its members impacts on the environment
• Seeing natural resources as an asset to nurtured and not abused
• Promoting social responsibility amongst employees, communities and consumers 
• Encouraging its members to play an important and responsible role in their respective local and regional communities and economies
• Providing safe, attractive products responsibly packaged and promoted in order to encourage responsible consumption

The NACM will:

• Support and encourage research into growing of apples and pears in a manner which minimizes use of agro-chemicals, energy and water, and which enhances the natural environment in terms of biodiversity and visual appearance, whilst delivering an economically viable crop
• Ensure that any lobbying position it adopts on behalf of the industry is consistent with its sustainable development aims and initiatives
• Promote best sustainable development practice amongst its members, through example whenever possible
• Provide support and education for its members on how to become more sustainable businesses

The NACM requires its members:

• To comply with relevant legislation and the NACM’s Code of Practice for Cider and Perry (10^th Edition) in both letter and spirit
• To market their products responsibly in accordance with the NACM’s guidelines on commercial communications and marketing

Details of this work and key milestones will be reported.

 

 

© NACM 2008