Agricultural associations and the food sector

The German climate protection plan for 2050 envisages that emissions from agriculture will be reduced by at least 31-34 % by 2030 compared with 1990. According to the NEC Directive, ammonia emissions from German agriculture must be reduced by 29% by 2030 compared to 1990, but there are currently no direct reduction targets for methane.

Ammonia and methane emissions from agriculture can best be reduced sustainably if all actors along the food supply chain take action. These include farmers, dairy and meat processing companies, food standards and trading companies. As important consumers of agricultural production, the food industry and trade have a considerable influence on the environmental quality of raw materials and products - and thus also on emissions.

As part of the Clean Air Farming project, the Lake Constance Foundation will organise several round tables in order to strengthen the dialogue between agriculture, the food industry and environmental organisations. The aim is to reach a jointly agreed position of the stakeholders on the reduction of methane and ammonia emissions. Together with associations of the agricultural, meat and dairy industries, the practical ways of reducing methane and ammonia emissions will be discussed and the necessary political framework and incentives will be described.

Quality labels and food standards identify processes or products that meet certain requirements. They are an important orientation for consumers but also for those responsible for purchasing or quality assurance in industry and trade. The Lake Constance Foundation will analyse selected food standards and company guidelines with regard to effective criteria for methane and ammonia reduction. Based on this analysis, recommendations for criteria will be developed together with representatives from agriculture and the food industry in order to effectively reduce methane and ammonia emissions. With these recommendations, food companies and standard organisations are motivated to include effective and verifiable criteria regarding ammonia and methane in their quality requirements.