As consumers become savvier about knowing where their food comes from, businesses in the food and drink sector must also assess their own place in the food-to-fork supply chain.
We all eat – but how many of us know the cost to the environment through greenhouse gas emissions from food production? According to the United Nations, about a third of all such emissions caused by humans is linked to food.
So how do we ensure a greater awareness of the carbon footprint involved in the often long journeys our food takes before we sit down and eat a meal? Here are just a few pointers about how we can all make smarter choices for ourselves and the planet that save energy and reduce waste – while we still enjoy delicious food:
From farm to fork – where it all begins
The food journey begins with agriculture, an essential and natural resource-dependent sector, using lots of water, land and energy. Agriculture and land use are often cited as being significant contributors to food-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Some farming processes can cause soil degradation – from erosion and compaction – as well as from the use of pesticides and fertilisers, which can harm wildlife and ecosystems. There are also the extensive reports of deforestation in the tropics for conversion of rainforest to food production. Other issues include:
- Methane emissions from livestock and the manure they produce
- Carbon dioxide emitted by farming machinery using fossil fuels
- Carbon dioxide caused as forests are cut down for farming land
- The grow crop carbon balance of agricultural production
Every step of the supply chain – where decarbonisation is crucial
An array of food heroes is responsible for ensuring our food reaches our markets, shops and supermarkets in plentiful supply. But carbon emissions are generated at almost every step of the food supply chain, from growing and farming the food, to processing and production, refrigeration and packaging and transportation.
Food processing and manufacturing can emit carbon through fossil fuel-powered power and heat usage, food packaging production and in the refrigeration process. Packaging might protect food and keep it fresh, but it can generate huge amounts of waste. Meanwhile, the transport and distribution chain can involve the use of CO2-emitting delivery lorries.
Further down the chain, supermarkets use large amounts of electricity for lighting and refrigeration and to power their display fridges and tills.
Growing consumer awareness about the carbon footprint of food
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how their food choices impact the environment. A recent study indicated that 68.6% of UK consumers recognise the significance of carbon labelling, which gives information about the production, distribution and disposal carbon emissions of a food product.
However, only 26.9% reported that their purchasing decisions are influenced by such labels, suggesting a gap between awareness and action. The cost involved in choosing sustainable food options continues to influence consumer behaviour too.
The consumer – what foods should we choose?
Animal-based foods, especially red meat and dairy, are generally becoming associated with the highest greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN. Meat production often needs extensive grassland, which might have been created by cutting down trees in the tropics, releasing carbon dioxide. There’s also the issue of cows and sheep emitting methane as they feed on grass and plants.
Some claim that a move towards plant-rich diets, including fruit and vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, nuts, and lentils, could reduce greenhouse gas levels. It is claimed CO2 emissions from most plant-based products are often 10 to 50 times lower than those from animal-based products. It could however be said that the often extensive amounts of water needed for such plant-based production, associated with often lengthy transportation to market, would be negative impacts on the environment of such a food chain switch.
These pressures have in recent years helped create a focus to better understand the carbon footprint of agricultural practices. Farmers shouldn’t despair about reducing their carbon footprint to comply with carbon reporting requirements – there are several ways to do so. These include adopting sustainable farming practices, reducing fertiliser and pesticide use, cutting machinery fuel consumption, incorporating renewables into the farm enterprise and switching to low-energy sources in their lighting and transport.
Moreover, sustainable agricultural practices can deliver carbon sequestration benefits through the process of food production, and we are now beginning to be able to monitor and report on these carbon balances using data in near real time.
The top food environmental tips that consumers should consider
Adopting just a few simple changes in our approach to how food reaches our plates can all add up to making a serious contribution to tackling climate change.
- Cutting food waste: Throwing away food means we waste all the energy that was poured into producing it throughout the farm-to-fork process. Only buy what you need – stick to a shopping list – and always try to use everything
- Consider a plant-rich diet: You don’t have to give up meat; choosing more plant-based meal options within a balanced and healthy way of eating may also be kinder to the planet
- Switch packaging: Support food producers who use compostable or recyclable packaging where possible
- Choose your supplier carefully: Try to buy local and seasonal produce as it’s fresher and has often travelled less food miles. The more food miles a product travels, especially by air, the more carbon emissions it generates.
How our CSX experts can support food carbon footprint transparency
As a vital part of the food-to-fork sector, farmers and supply chain businesses can play an important role in better understanding and reducing the carbon footprint of our food production processes.
There are many nature-based solutions they can adopt to create positive carbon credits and balances. These tools can reduce and offset production emissions and help work towards net zero goals – aligning with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements.
Our experts assess, measure and monitor a farm’s impact on nature and the climate to provide tailored solutions to help farmers – and others in their supply chain – to understand their sustainability reporting requirements and the importance of transparency in their methods.
Speak to one of our sustainability experts today by calling 01609 786655, emailing us at contact@csxcarbon.com or by visiting our contact page – and discover how to future-proof your supply chain business, align with regulations, and increase biodiversity efforts in food production’s long journey to reduce its carbon footprint.