Study Notes
Overview
This topic explores the environmental consequences of modern food production, a core component of the OCR J309 specification. Examiners expect candidates to move beyond simplistic statements and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the entire food lifecycle. This involves analysing the 'Farm to Fork' journey, from agricultural practices and processing to transport, retail, and consumer waste. Key concepts include the critical distinction between food miles and carbon footprint, the environmental costs of intensive farming (such as eutrophication and methane emissions), the complex role of packaging, and the benefits of seasonality. Marks are awarded for using precise scientific language, evaluating trade-offs, and applying knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios. This guide will provide the detailed knowledge and exam technique required to achieve high marks.
Key Concepts & Issues
Food Miles vs. Carbon Footprint
What it is: A common point of confusion that must be understood. Food miles refer only to the distance food travels from producer to consumer. Carbon footprint, however, is a much broader measure of the total greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane) generated throughout a product's entire lifecycle.
Why it matters: Examiners frequently test this distinction. A classic example is comparing a UK-grown tomato produced in a heated greenhouse during winter with a Spanish tomato grown in natural sunlight and transported by lorry. The UK tomato has zero food miles but its carbon footprint may be significantly higher due to the energy required for heating. Credit is given for explaining this trade-off.
Specific Knowledge: Greenhouse gases (GHGs), lifecycle assessment, energy consumption.
Intensive Farming
What happened: The post-war drive for cheap, plentiful food led to intensive farming methods. This includes high-density livestock farming, heavy reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and pesticides, and the practice of growing single crops over vast areas (monoculture).
Why it matters: This has severe environmental consequences that candidates must be able to explain.
- Methane Emissions: Livestock, particularly cattle, release methane (a potent GHG) through digestion (enteric fermentation).
- Eutrophication: Excess fertiliser runs off fields into rivers, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen and kill aquatic life. Using the term 'eutrophication' is essential for top marks.
- Biodiversity Loss: Monocultures and pesticides destroy habitats for wildlife, including essential pollinators like bees.
Specific Knowledge: Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) from fertilisers, eutrophication, biodiversity, monoculture.
Packaging & Food Waste
What it is: A complex issue of balancing preservation against pollution. Plastic packaging is a major contributor to landfill and marine pollution. However, it also plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of food, thereby reducing food waste.
Why it matters: This is a classic 'evaluate' topic. A high-level response will acknowledge both the negative environmental impact of plastic and its positive role in preventing food waste. Food waste itself is a major environmental issue, as decomposing food in landfill releases methane.
Specific Knowledge: Use By vs. Best Before dates, WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) statistics, methane from anaerobic decomposition, landfill.
Seasonality
What it is: Eating food that is naturally in season in your country. This reduces the need for energy-intensive heated greenhouses or long-distance transport (air freight being the worst offender for emissions).
Why it matters: Demonstrates an understanding of sustainable food choices. Candidates should be able to name specific UK seasonal produce to support their answers.
Specific Knowledge: UK seasonal calendar (e.g., strawberries in June, asparagus in April, apples in September), air freight vs. sea freight emissions.
Podcast Episode
Listen to our 10-minute audio guide covering all the key concepts, exam tips, and a quick-fire quiz to test your knowledge.