Most farmers are working hard to integrate new precision agriculture technologies and farm practices that will maximize farm productivity, enhance sustainability and drive their bottom line. At the ground level of an industry estimated to contribute 19–29% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, farmers keep a keen eye on every input used, as well as the health and performance of their soils. It’s not just about environmental sustainability, it makes good business sense.
But as an industry, and the companies and consumers that span the food supply chain, it’s time to look beyond the field at what can be done to mitigate emissions end to end, from the farm gate to the dinner plate. This wide-lens approach is behind a growing push towards Scope 3 emissions reductions in agriculture, which refers to greenhouse gas emissions that occur across various stages of food production and processing. These emissions are generated from activities such as land use change, fertilizer production and application, livestock enteric fermentation and the transportation and packaging of agricultural products. It's important to understand Scope 3 emissions because they make up a significant portion of the carbon footprint of the food we consume.
Scope 3 emissions differ from Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as they reflect emissions that are beyond the direct control of an organization. Scope 1 emissions include emissions from an organization’s owned or controlled sources, such as their facilities or vehicles. Scope 2 emissions include electricity, steam, heating and cooling purchased by the organization. Scope 3 encompasses emissions associated with all other activities including upstream activities, such as emissions associated with purchased goods and services, and downstream activities such as the transportation and distribution of the final products. Scope 3 emissions therefore also include a wider network of actors, including the manufacturers of fertilizers and pesticides, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
Here’s what a program to address Scope 3 emissions might look like on the ground: A partnership is struck between a food retailer and local farmers in which the retailer makes a commitment to source a significant portion of their produce from nearby farms, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and the associated emissions. This not only supports local farmers, but also decreases the carbon footprint of the retailer's supply chain. In the plant-based protein industry, a company might develop a sustainable soybean supply chain by working directly with farmers to implement sustainable farming practices, such as using cover crops and reducing fertilizer use. By ensuring their soybeans were sustainably grown, the company can offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional meat products, and often a nice premium.
Understanding the current state of Scope 3 emissions reductions in agriculture
While progress has been made in the reduction of Scope 3 emissions in agriculture, there is a lot of work to be done. One key challenge is the complex and interconnected nature of the food system. Scope 3 emissions involve multiple stakeholders, including farmers, processors, distributors, retailers and consumers. Coordinating efforts and implementing changes across this network can be daunting, but progress is being made.
Leah Blechschmidt is the agricultural corporate engagement advisor with Nature United, the Canadian affiliate of the global conservation organization The Nature Conservancy. Nature United works to build diverse partnerships to protect lands and waters and ensure nature is the foundation of healthy communities, economies, and future opportunities. This includes working across agricultural supply chains with producers, processors, traders, food retailers and others to implement sustainability strategies and practices. The development of new guidance and regulations means that the organization’s activities are moving towards mobilizing Scope 3 emissions reductions in agricultural supply chains.
Blechschmidt works with corporate partners both at a strategic level, to advise on their Scope 3 initiatives, and also as a facilitator and project manager, to help the company set up new programs at the ground level. She says a key priority in both roles is to encourage involvement and participation of farmers. “A real challenge is not having farmers at the table,” she notes. “There is a big difference between telling farmers to do cover cropping, versus working with them on strategies that have been identified and then asking which ones appeal to you, what do you think will work on your farm, and how can we support you? It needs to be individualized and functional on the Canadian landscape. Our group works with corporates to bridge the gap between different supply chain actors and bring the producer voice to the forefront.”
Beyond the field, there are other promising initiatives underway. Some companies are investing in research and development to find innovative solutions, such as developing alternative packaging materials or investing in electric transportation for food delivery. Furthermore, consumer demand for sustainable food is increasing, putting pressure on the industry to prioritize emissions reductions. People are seeking out locally sourced, organic and plant-based options, all of which have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional food choices. This shift in consumer behavior is encouraging businesses to invest in sustainable practices.
Back at the farm level, as growers focus on the 4Rs (applying the right source at the right rate at the right time and in the right place), while continuing to enhance in-field record keeping and invest in new precision ag solutions that maximize productivity, momentum is certain to build in this emerging space.
