The future agricultural policy will grant aid to producers who can demonstrate a reduction in CO emissions2
The BMS MN team has always been active and has continued production and commercial support in strict compliance with safety regulations. This experience with the Coronavirus has made us understand once again that we urgently need to restore the balance between human activity and nature. Sustainability was one of the EU’s priorities in 2019 and cannot be slowed down during crisis management. On the contrary, the acceleration is even more urgent, since with global warming more pandemics can be expected with a huge economic impact. We will achieve this acceleration if, among other things, more and more companies transform to a circular, low-carbon business model. Innovative sustainability, with the replacement of old technologies, is also essential for the company itself in the long term.
The Green Deal lays the foundations for the EU recovery plan
At the end of May, the European Commission presented its recovery plan. Restore biodiversity and invest in sustainability; These two aspects, among others, are the fundamental pillars of this strategy. What does this mean in practice?
By 2030, the Green Deal foresees the following measures:
- 25% of agricultural fields must be cultivated organically
- In 50% less pesticides
- 20% less fertilizers
- 50% less antibiotics for livestock and aquaculture
From farm to plate:
- Shortening the food chain with more local production in Europe
- Investing in modern technology: for example, promoting precision agriculture
- Creating clear labels that help consumers make sustainable choices and thus encourage sustainable production
Agriculture therefore has a real responsibility that will be encouraged and supported by the European Union. No concrete legislative initiatives have yet been launched, but you better prepare and anticipate what will soon become an obligation. Get ahead now with Ecomethod.
But what is the benchmark?
To measure the impact of human activities on the environment, we use the «Carbon footprint (CO2)».
The carbon footprint measures the contribution of human activities to the greenhouse effect, expressed in units of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq). These greenhouse gases are partly responsible for climate change.
In this way, we can also measure the impact of agricultural production. Take for example the production of one tonne of potatoes: the overall ecological footprint of this production consists of the sum of the individual footprints originating from, among other things:
- The preparation of the field.
- Planting.
- Irrigation.
- Phytosanitary treatments.
- The recollection.
- Fertilization.
- …
Each of these agronomic aspects has its own CO emissions2 and therefore its own impact.
From traditional fertilization to organic fertilization
Well, the impact of fertilization: here you can make a difference. Can significantly reduce CO footprint2 of fertilization by choosing efficient and innovative techniques, which the EU will strongly promote. Ecomethod, the foliar fertilization method from BMS Micro-Nutrients, clearly shows great advantages here.
It is a fertilization method that makes the most of foliar absorption. Due to the high CEC of the leaf, the plant can absorb a large amount of nutrients. And since the nutrients reach the leaf directly, fewer fertilizers are used – with reductions of up to 90% – and the quantity and quality of the harvest is maintained. Most likely it will meet the EU standard before 2030.
Ecomethod as a certified solution for sustainable production
To avoid the greenwashing (**), we have worked intensively with a research and consulting company, 2A Group. These experts in sustainable development have carried out in 2019 a study that compares the ecological footprint of the different fertilization methods and CO emissions2eq related. To do this, we have carried out tests on various crops: apple, hazelnut and viticulture.
What’s the score?
This study shows that a significant reduction in CO emissions can be achieved2 with BMS Micro-Nutrients foliar fertilization programs. Several field trials show reductions of 25% with partial foliar applications, up to 98% in the case of total foliar fertilization.
Ecomethod improves environmental performance by reducing the use of fertilizers, reducing CO emissions2 and, at the same time, it guarantees a good and qualitative harvest. More details on CO reduction examples are posted on our website2.
CO reduction2 indicated has been calculated on the basis of an LCA comparative study conducted by 2A GROUP and audited by the independent certification body Rina Services.
The carbon footprint as a guide for producers and consumers
The European Economic Recovery Plan has already highlighted this: a clear label on food indicating the reduction of emissions of 2 promotes the purchase of sustainable products. The decisions we make at the table thus have a great impact on climate change. Consumers are increasingly aware of this and want to make well-considered decisions. A 2018 study, Nature Climate Change
, it shows. With eco-labels, we have to help them make that decision.
The food manufacturer distinguishes itself by mentioning its carbon footprint and thus clearly indicates the efforts it has made to contribute to a better environment.
Legislation is moving in this direction: Anyone who anticipates rather than wait and then adapt is ahead of the competition.
When will you start using Ecomethod? The sustainable productionIt should not be a green business slogan, but a well-founded action that is measured and controlled. Soon, your sustainability efforts will be a requirement to stay in the market and grow as a producer. In addition, the future agricultural policy will grant support to producers who can demonstrate a reduction in CO emissions.2
.With our certified tool we calculate exactly how much CO 2 You save on fertilizing your crop, by switching step by step to foliar fertilization, while maintaining a high quality crop. Contact us for a free simulation of your reduction without obligation:
“Consumers underestimate emissions associated with food, but they are surrounded by labels”, published in December 2018 in Nature Climate Change by Adrian Camilleri from the University of Technology in Sydney and Richard Larrick, Shajuti Hossain and Dalia PatinoEcheverri from the University of Duke
(**) Greenwashing is posing as a greener or more socially responsible company or organization than it really is. It is pretended to treat the environment with care, but this is often no more than mere appearance.
-Source:
BMS Micro-Nutrients.
