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A roadmap towards a low-carbon transition
The agriculture and agri-food sector plays a central role in the fight against climate change, being responsible for almost a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In response to these challenges, the ACT initiative is proposing an ambitious methodology dedicated to the agriculture and agrifood sector to assess and guide businesses towards decarbonisation trajectories in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This tool takes into account the complexity and heterogeneity of the sector.
Why a specific methodology for this sector?
The agriculture and agri-food sector has some unique characteristics. It is both one of the main sources of emissions and an area with potential for carbon sequestration through practices such as agroforestry and soil restoration. The main contributions of agricultural emissions include :
- Enteric fermentation and manure management, methane emitters (CH₄).
- Soil fertilisation, which releases nitrous oxide (N₂O).
- Changes in land use, particularly linked to deforestation and conversion of grassland.
With 82% of emissions coming from agricultural activities themselves, this is where the greatest scope for action lies. The ACT methodology targets these emissions and provides indicators tailored to agricultural, agri-food and catering businesses.
A robust, collaborative methodology
The ACT Agriculture & Agri-food methodology has been designed according to the principles defined in the ACT general framework. It is based on :
- Rigorous testing with 24 volunteer companies, guaranteeing its feasibility and sectoral relevance.
- Alignment with international benchmarks such as the FLAG framework of the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the recommendations of the GHG Protocol.
A modular structure for in-depth assessment
The methodology is based on nine modules covering all the levers of low-carbon transition:
Climate targets
Analysis of the alignment of emission reduction targets with FLAG trajectories.
Material investments
Evaluation of actions on deforestation, reduction of food losses and development of improved agricultural practices.
Intangible investments
Training for farmers, support for innovation in low-carbon products.
Performance of products sold
Analysis of upstream and downstream emissions, particularly for animal feed.
Governance and management
Integrating climate change into corporate strategy and implementing transition plans.
Supplier commitment
Influence on supply chain practices.
Customer commitment
Incentives to encourage responsible consumer behaviour.
Political commitment
Alignment with ambitious climate policies.
Business model
Transition to low-carbon products and sustainable practices.
Specific tools aligned with international standards
The ACT Agriculture & Agri-Food methodology offers indicators tailored to the realities of each segment of activity, whether agricultural producers, agri-food businesses, caterers or integrated companies.
For example, agricultural producers are assessed on land management, emissions linked to fertilisation and livestock rearing, and the implementation of good crop/livestock rearing practices, while agri-food processors are judged on their control of inputs and industrial processes.
The analysis does not stop at a simple analysis of greenhouse gas emissions: it also includes indicators on low-carbon investment and R&D, training of technical teams, the fight against deforestation and waste management. Finally, the methodology is aligned with international standards, such as SBTi’s FLAG trajectories, ensuring consistency with global climate objectives while offering maximum transparency in assessments.
Focus on emissions and critical levers
The methodology includes all relevant sources of emissions:
Emissions linked to changes in land use
- Deforestation,
- Drainage of wetlands,
- Pasture management.
Direct agricultural emissions
- Enteric fermentation,
- Manure management,
- Emissions from fertilised soil.
Post-farm emissions
- Processing of agricultural products.
It also takes account of negative emissions thanks to practices that encourage carbon storage, such as agroforestry or improving soil carbon stocks.
Expected results and impact
By adopting the ACT Agriculture & Agri-Food methodology, companies can assess their transition plan and thus their ability to remain competitive in a low-carbon world. This framework provides them with a clear roadmap for aligning their transition strategies with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. It also enables them to identify the areas of their transition plan that still need to be consolidated and to prioritise action in these areas. This strengthens their credibility on the market and their attractiveness to investors and stakeholders. Finally, by improving their environmental efficiency, companies are actively contributing to the resilience of their supply chains and to long-term sustainable development.
Conclusion
The ACT Agriculture & Agri-Food methodology is a key tool for transforming the agriculture and agri-food sector into a player in the low-carbon transition. By adopting this tool, companies can not only reduce their environmental impact but also become leaders in the fight against climate change.
