Carbon Footprints and Food Systems

Page 14

xii

Executive Summary

5.

6.

7.

8.

In communicating results to consumers, some explanation of the makeup of the footprint should be given (such as percentages of the overall footprint that occurred on the farm, from land use change, processing, transport, and use). Rather than simply aggregating results for one product or commodity into a single footprint, analysts should encourage and reward members of the supply chain to innovate to reduce their specific carbon footprints. In terms of innovation in the food chain, it is important to note the demotivating eect that dominant and intractable factors such as land use change and air freight can have on small farmers and businessmen. Low-cost approaches to calculation and certification should be developed.

General Development

1. 2.

Work to enhance yields of crop per unit of input resource, as this will reduce the overall carbon footprint of the product. Encourage the processing of foods in developing countries in order to gain carbon eďŹƒciencies from labor and energy.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.