Decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing carbon emissions in various sectors of the economy. It is an essential step towards mitigating climate change and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. The processing and preserving of poultry meat is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, and as such, it is crucial to implement decarbonisation measures in this sector. This article will explore the concept of decarbonisation in the processing and preserving of poultry meat sector, the main sources of carbon emissions, strategies to reduce carbon emissions, challenges facing decarbonisation, and the implications of decarbonisation for the sector.

What is Decarbonisation in the Processing and Preserving of Poultry Meat Sector, and Why is it Important?

Decarbonisation in the processing and preserving of poultry meat sector refers to the process of reducing carbon emissions associated with the production, processing, and distribution of poultry meat. The sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, with the production of one kilogram of poultry meat emitting between 2.5 and 6.9 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) (FAO, 2013). The sector's importance lies in its contribution to global food security, with poultry meat being the most consumed meat globally. However, the sector's growth has led to increased carbon emissions, which have negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Reducing carbon emissions in the processing and preserving of poultry meat sector is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it is crucial for mitigating climate change, which has severe consequences for the environment and human health. Carbon emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect, which causes global warming, leading to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and other adverse effects. Secondly, reducing carbon emissions in the sector is essential for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Finally, reducing carbon emissions in the sector is essential for promoting sustainable food production and consumption, which is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What are the Main Sources of Carbon Emissions in the Processing and Preserving of Poultry Meat Sector?

The processing and preserving of poultry meat sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, with the main sources of emissions being energy use, feed production, and manure management. Energy use accounts for approximately 60% of the sector's carbon emissions, with the primary sources of energy being electricity and fossil fuels. Electricity is used for lighting, ventilation, and refrigeration, while fossil fuels are used for heating and transportation.

Feed production is another significant source of carbon emissions in the sector, accounting for approximately 30% of emissions. The production of feed requires the use of fertilisers, which emit nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, the production of feed requires the use of energy, which contributes to carbon emissions.

Manure management is also a significant source of carbon emissions in the sector, accounting for approximately 10% of emissions. The decomposition of manure produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

How Can We Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Processing and Preserving of Poultry Meat Sector?

Reducing carbon emissions in the processing and preserving of poultry meat sector requires a combination of measures, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable feed production, and manure management.

Energy efficiency measures involve reducing energy consumption by improving the efficiency of equipment and processes. This can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient lighting, ventilation, and refrigeration systems, as well as the adoption of best practices in processing and preserving poultry meat.

Renewable energy measures involve the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This can be achieved through the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and biomass boilers.

Sustainable feed production measures involve reducing the carbon footprint of feed production by adopting sustainable farming practices such as reduced tillage, crop rotation, and the use of organic fertilisers. Additionally, the use of alternative protein sources such as insects and algae can reduce the carbon footprint of feed production.

Manure management measures involve reducing the carbon footprint of manure management by adopting best practices such as anaerobic digestion, composting, and land application. Anaerobic digestion involves the conversion of manure into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity or heat. Composting involves the decomposition of manure to produce a nutrient-rich soil amendment, while land application involves the application of manure to agricultural land as a fertiliser.

What are the Challenges Facing Decarbonisation in the Processing and Preserving of Poultry Meat Sector?

Decarbonisation in the processing and preserving of poultry meat sector faces several challenges, including technological, economic, and regulatory challenges.

Technological challenges involve the availability and affordability of low-carbon technologies such as renewable energy and energy-efficient equipment. The adoption of these technologies requires significant capital investment, which may be a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Economic challenges involve the cost of decarbonisation measures, which may be higher than the cost of conventional technologies. Additionally, the adoption of decarbonisation measures may result in higher production costs, which may be passed on to consumers, leading to reduced demand for poultry meat.

Regulatory challenges involve the lack of supportive policies and regulations that incentivise the adoption of decarbonisation measures. Additionally, the lack of standardisation and certification schemes for low-carbon products may lead to market distortions and reduced consumer confidence.

What are the Implications of Decarbonisation for the Processing and Preserving of Poultry Meat Sector?

Decarbonisation in the processing and preserving of poultry meat sector has several implications, including environmental, social, and economic implications.

Environmental implications involve the reduction of carbon emissions, which contributes to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable food production and consumption. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable farming practices such as reduced tillage and crop rotation can improve soil health and reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers, which have negative environmental impacts.

Social implications involve the promotion of decent work and economic growth, which are critical for achieving the SDGs. The adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient equipment can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly in rural areas.

Economic implications involve the potential for increased production costs, which may be passed on to consumers. However, the adoption of decarbonisation measures can also lead to increased efficiency and productivity, which can offset the increased production costs.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation in the processing and preserving of poultry meat sector is essential for mitigating climate change, achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, and promoting sustainable food production and consumption. The sector's main sources of carbon emissions are energy use, feed production, and manure management, and reducing carbon emissions requires a combination of measures, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable feed production, and manure management. Decarbonisation in the sector faces several challenges, including technological, economic, and regulatory challenges, but has several implications, including environmental, social, and economic implications. Overall, decarbonisation in the processing and preserving of poultry meat sector is critical for promoting sustainable food systems and achieving the SDGs.