Research
Innovations can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions in EU pork supply chains
By 2030, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the pork supply chain can be reduced by an average of more than 20% in western Europe by innovations in feed and manure management.
Regulatory and market initiatives are driving the reduction in GHG emissions from pork production across Europe. While feed and pig manure are major contributors to GHG emissions in the pork supply chain, there are several existing measures that can and are already being implemented to significantly reduce these emissions.
To realize the untapped potential of measures to reduce GHG emissions and to encourage their adoption, the market and possibly governments must provide incentives to pig producers. An important precondition for an incentive scheme is the development of measurement and accounting systems for emissions reductions that facilitate the fair distribution of rewards and risks through the supply chain. We see a number of initiatives coming from animal protein companies, retailers, and sector organizations. However, the international nature of the pork supply chain makes these efforts challenging.