Freshgrowers, a vegetable cooperative based in Nottinghamshire, has produced the world's first carbon-neutral carrots. The group, which supplies Chantenay carrots grown within 15 miles of its packhouse to supermarkets and catering customers across the UK, worked with Campbell-Gibbons Consulting, Intellync-Sustain and Carbon Neutral Britain to calculate the carbon footprint of its Chantenay carrot production.
The analysis revealed that the production and harvesting of the 2021/22 Chantenay crop resulted in just 363 tonnes of carbon equivalent (CO2e) for 12,500 tonnes of carrots, a carbon footprint of 0.03 grams of CO2e per kilogram of carrots. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions was fuel used in field operations (77%), with the remaining emissions produced by fertiliser, crop protection products, and the incorporation of crop residues into soil. The carbon measurement and offset exercise will be repeated annually, with the next audit due in spring 2023.
True Carbon-Neutral Carrots
FreshGro Launched the World's FIrst Carbon-Neutral Carrots
Trend Themes
1. Carbon-neutral Agriculture - Opportunity to develop and market carbon-neutral agricultural products that cater to the growing eco-friendly market.
2. Sustainable Supply Chain - Opportunity to integrate sustainability practices in the supply chain to reduce carbon emissions and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
3. Carbon-offsetting Consultancy - Opportunity to offer carbon-offsetting consultancy services to businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in sustainable practices.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - Freshgrowers' carbon-neutral carrot production shows the potential for the agriculture industry to lead sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
2. Food and Beverage - Sustainable and carbon-neutral agriculture practices could lead to emerging markets for eco-friendly food and beverage products.
3. Sustainability Consulting - Businesses in the sustainability consulting and auditing industries have an opportunity to support and partner with companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.