Environmentally-friendly food myths will be challenged at an inaugural lecture at Newcastle Business School, part of Northumbria University.
Professor David Oglethorpe, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, will examine the products that consumers are encouraged to buy in order to minimise their impact on the environment and consider how the supply networks and logistics involved can undermine any perceived benefit.
Professor David Oglethorpe
The lecture, entitled: "From Kuznets to KFC: Environmental Anomalies in the Food Supply Chain", takes place at Newcastle Business School in Northumbria University's new City Campus East on Thursday 6 November. It will draw on basic economic theory to establish a framework for rational supply chain development and demonstrate why the demand for certain lifestyle foods may be misconceived, misdirected or counter-intuitive.
Professor Oglethorpe joined Newcastle Business School following a career in the food industry for more than 20 years, both in practice-relevant research and directly in the private sector.
His PhD examined profit-environment trade-offs and decision making at the primary producer level and the sustainability of food systems has remained a central concern to his research and remains a priority for the food industry, even at a time of spiralling food costs.
Professor Oglethorpe said: "Lowering food miles, reducing packaging, going organic or more wholesome home cooking are the sort of things we are encouraged to do to save the planet. The reality is that these are simply lifestyle choices that in many cases, due to the nature of their supply chains, can actually create more harm than good. It's a contentious issue, in which we are all stakeholders, but some of these myths need putting to bed and a more considered approach is needed."
The inaugural lecture takes place in Lecture Theatre 001 at 6pm. It will be followed by refreshments.
Date posted: Nov 2008