Work packages
WP1: Development of a methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions
Work Package WP1 includes a thorough analysis of the current state of carbon footprint quantification and tracking in the agri-food sector in Slovakia and in Europe/worldwide, drawing on existing studies and knowledge.
The project analyzes, defines, and quantifies general processes that generate greenhouse gases in companies and identifies emission factors specific to the agri-food sector. The work package also focuses on analyzing supply chains in the agri-food sector and identifying emission factors specific to agri-food.
The outcome will be a unified, standardized methodology for the simplified calculation of emissions from agri-food products, which will be pilot-tested in selected agri-food enterprises.
WP2: Creation of a database for calculating the carbon footprint of agri-food enterprises
This work package builds on the carbon footprint calculation methodology designed in WP1. Based on this methodology and its algorithmic implementation, a pilot study will be carried out to calculate the carbon footprint for the products defined in WP1 and for a sample of agricultural and food enterprises selected according to criteria.
The aim of the pilot study is to create a database of relevant input data for calculating the carbon footprint in line with the proposed methodology. The work package includes developing a software tool to collect input data online from agri-food enterprises for carbon footprint calculation, linking it with obtained secondary data, and quantifying the carbon footprint.
Based on the database, we will propose a classification of enterprises according to their carbon footprint and the production of the commodities specified by the project. This will include assessing the impact of selected factors on the carbon footprint of enterprises categorized by chosen criteria.
WP3: Optimization and implementation of innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint in the agri-food sector
This work package focuses on identifying and analyzing critical areas in the agri-food sector that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The main objectives are to identify the primary sources of emissions, analyze their environmental impact, and develop recommendations to reduce these emissions. We will then develop a comprehensive set of measures to reduce the carbon footprint of agri-food companies.
These measures will include innovative technologies, improved practices, and effective strategies to help minimize greenhouse gas emissions in the agri-food sector. By implementing a pilot short supply chain project in the agri-food sector—based on direct collaboration among primary producers, food processors, and end consumers—we will minimize the number of production stages/intermediaries in order to reduce emissions generated by the transport and storage of food. These chains aim to keep prices low, increase availability, and stabilize relationships in the sector.
Through a pilot evaluation of the proposed measures to reduce the carbon footprint in the agri-food sector—which includes monitoring and assessing the real impacts of the implemented measures on greenhouse gas emissions, the economy, society, and the environment—we will develop proposals and recommendations for effectively linking primary producers, food processors, and short supply chains in the agri-food sector. These proposals will include collaboration strategies, organizational structures, and business models that support sustainability and emission reductions across the agri-food chain.
WP4: The carbon footprint as a tool to support local primary producers and food producers
The subject of this work package is an initial analysis of the use of the carbon footprint as an element of green public procurement, consisting of a summary of scientific publications, studies, and best-practice examples based on current knowledge about implementing the carbon footprint in public procurement.
A subsequent legal analysis of national and European legislation will assess the possibilities for applying individual policies for carbon footprint monitoring in public procurement. The work package aims to support contracting authorities in introducing carbon criteria into public procurement and to facilitate communication between contracting authorities and suppliers.
The work package will also include implementing the developed tools and methodologies in practice, in cooperation with agri-food producers and public procurement authorities.