An egg producer’s guide to becoming carbon neutral

Feed has been identified as the major source of carbon emissions in poultry layer flocks in an in-depth study carried out by consultancy firm Promar International and the British Free Range Egg Producers’ Association (Bfrepa).

See also: Carbon credits explained: Long-term income option for farmers

In the first phase of the study, Promar worked with a 64,000-bird multi-tier unit in Wales and a 12,700-bird flat-deck system in Devon.

Using a carbon accounting tool, it calculated greenhouse gas emissions from each unit as a benchmark, both on an enterprise basis and per kilo of eggs produced.

Calculations showed emissions on the larger Welsh farm were 4,827t carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) or 3.1kg per kilo of eggs. The Devon unit produced 973.8t CO2e, and 3.44kg per kilo of eggs.

Between 80-85% of total emissions came from feed, with manure accounting for 10-15%. Electricity, birds and transport made up the remainder.

Target areas for emissions reduction

The government has set a goal of achieving carbon net zero by 2050. But the NFU is targeting 2040 for agriculture, while some retailers have gone further still with a 2030 deadline. 

“Transitioning to net zero will require producers to implement a range of practices that result in incremental emission reductions,” says project leader Heather Webb.

Ms Webb outlines the key areas where reductions will, over time, accumulate to result in large gains towards net zero.

1. Feed

Considering that most of the protein in poultry feed comes from imported South American soya, finding an alternative protein source is a strong first step.

“Initial estimates based on replacing soya with alternative protein sources indicated a potential 60% reduction in the emissions footprint for poultry diets,” says Ms Webb.

2. Renewables

Installing renewable energy schemes and exporting manure to an anaerobic digester, as well as covering manure storage.

3. Flock performance

Reducing layer casualties, increasing laying rates and breeding dual-purpose breeds with higher carcass values for spent hens were also factors.

4. Whole-farm view

It’s important not to look at net zero in isolation – biodiversity, water and energy efficiency, ammonia mitigation, litter management and land use for feed sourcing all need to be considered.

For example, tree planting on the range not only benefits the birds, but also soil and water quality, as well as sequestering carbon, which can generate carbon credits.

Future framework 

To build on the work, Ms Webb says defined targets and measurement units are needed to provide a framework, linking to sustainable development goals.

“Once a sustainability framework is set, collection of benchmarking data across a greater cross-section of the free-range industry is required.

“The data will provide a robust basis for targeting industry improvement and could be integrated into future studies or sustainability roadmaps.”

Bfrepa chairman James Baxter says the study was an attempt to provide practical, meaningful information on cutting carbon that is not always obvious or easily accessible.

“We’re keen to understand where the key sources of emissions exist on farms, and how residual emissions could be offset,” Mr Baxter says.

“There is a strong focus on greenhouse gas emissions based on the case study farms and industry data,” says Mr Baxter.

“We will use this information to create a practical guide and increase knowledge about the tools available to assist members to implement low-emission practices.”

The second phase of the project will investigate other measures of sustainability in terms of social and economic dimensions, such as food quality, animal welfare and productivity.

Olivia Cooper was reporting from the Pig & Poultry Fair online forums (12 May).