Food and Fairness Inquiry: terms of reference and call for evidence

Just how fair is our food? From fair trade to global hunger, food has seen some of the boldest efforts to tackle inequality, and some of the worst cases of exploitation.

The Food Ethics Council (FEC) has commissioned a major public inquiry into the issue. It wants as many people as possible to contribute to the Inquiry and help increase the profile and clarity of debates about food and fairness.

The Food and Fairness Inquiry is led by a committee that includes leading figures from sectors and communities with a stake in food and farming. From May 2009, the committee wants to receive relevant research and written evidence from both consumers and people working in food and farming, and it will hold public hearings in September, October and November 2009. Once the committee has received all the submitted evidence, it will examine what lies behind success stories and failures, and seek to understand the responsibilities of the British government, businesses and the public in promoting a fair global food system.

It will publish its report in the Spring of 2010.