Invitation to support WRAP’s new Water Stewardship initiative in Southern Spain

10 Jun 2022

FPC are supporting WRAP in their Water Stewardship Initiative by reaching out to wider members to encourage participation in this important fresh produce project.

How could this project affect you?

A high proportion of the fruit and veg consumed in the UK come from Southern Spain. Southern Spain is one of the most at-risk sourcing regions for UK supply in terms of water scarcity and quality, with agriculture being a key driver. This presents significant business risk, not just in terms of increasing water scarcity and supply disruption due to climate change, but also reputational risk due to increased publicity about biodiversity loss and legal action against businesses for environmental crimes.

What is the aim of the project?

The WRAP project sets out to reduce water stress in the region by 2030. It will involve businesses taking action in their supply chain as well as supporting us with financing to implement the action plan and carry out phased water stewardship activity. The first three priority areas are within Andalusia and Murcia. We will be taking a phased approach to this project, establishing projects in one area at a time. You will also be asked to join in key efforts to support the action plan such as strengthening certification schemes and supporting advocacy work to improve regulations & governance in Southern Spain.

Who is WRAP?

WRAP is a climate action NGO working around the globe to tackle the causes of the climate crisis and give the planet a sustainable future. Our evidence inspires action. They work with like-minded partners to protect our planet by changing the way things are produced, consumed and disposed of. Courtauld 2030 is our flagship agreement and alongside targets on GHG and food waste, we have a target for water stewardship. As well as businesses continuing to increase water use efficiency in their own operations, the combined objective is that, by 2030, the UK food & drink industry will have helped to achieve sustainable water management to improve the quality and availability of water at catchment scale in the top 20 most important product & ingredient sourcing areas in the UK and overseas. By 2030 WRAP want 50% of the UK’s fresh food to be sourced from areas with sustainable water management. The water roadmap, supported by over 50 businesses across the food and drink sector, establishes how they intend to achieve this A Roadmap Towards Water Security for Food and Drink Supply | WRAP.

WRAP would be happy to arrange a call to discuss the proposal in more detail should you have any questions.

If you would like to add your business as an official supporter then please email sophie.harrison@wrap.org.uk to confirm your interest by 30^th June 2022.