The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) commissioned the Center for Agricultural Research for International Development (CIRAD) to read about the existing processes of green coffee (the raw seeds of unroasted coffee cherries) in an effort to create a clearer picture. how to measure environmental impact.
The carbon footprint of green coffee can vary widely: depending on a wide range of points, from the point of use of nitrogen fertilizer to the emissions produced by the decomposition of waste, such as coffee husks.
But the key precept for creating accurate LCAs is the “absolute transparency” of the chain of origin, says the ISIC.
Coffee is produced in many countries with very different ecosystems: from Brazil to Colombia, Vietnam and Ethiopia.
At the same time, other strategies for calculating LCAs mean that estimates of environmental effects can vary widely.
In its review, CIRAD learned about and reviewed 34 studies covering 234 coffee systems, following agricultural guidelines, on the measurement of the carbon footprint.
These studies were representative of other regions and contexts in which coffee is grown (e. g. , 72% of the agricultural systems studied were in Central and South America, corresponding to 70% of the global coffee produced in this region).
Many studies and strokes, the researchers note, have fallen into the trap of simplifying knowledge. And in some situations, there simply isn’t enough knowledge number one (especially, for example, in the case of coffee plantations).
The agricultural level is complex: it contributes to many impacts, but – as a living ecosystem – it has many configurations and the proper testing is detailed.
The research highlights 4 key points that can greatly influence the carbon footprint of green coffee:
Therefore, the CIRAD study highlights the need for transparency in the chain of origin and recommends using IPCC (2006) standards for land-use calculations.
Cécile Chéron-Bessou, CIRAD Research Fellow at the journal, explains: “Lifecycle testing is complex and requires many simplifications and options.
“A key precept of those tests is absolute transparency around the possible options and precise assumptions made in the model.
“We hope that our study will be a physically powerful tool for transparent and physically powerful measurement of the carbon footprint of green coffee, helping farmers and researchers adopt smart practices for sustainable coffee cultivation. “
Most of the studies reviewed focused on Arabica coffee; only four focused on the Robusta. While Arabica was the dominant species in the past, the percentage of Robusta is close to 50% and underrepresented.
To ensure the robustness and accuracy of green coffee LCA, the review recommends:
At the same time, a more detailed CIRAD report was published to develop a series of recommendations aimed at standardizing measurements.
For example, it provides guidance on how to identify reclamation measures for other coffee plantation systems and how to systematically apply land-use replacement models, and describes how to estimate the overall biomass (including roots) of other trees provided in coffee systems.
Coffee is a perennial crop, living for many years without being replanted, which is why the study also looks at how to design and measure trees at other stages of maturity.
The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) has national coffee associations from around the world (including the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan), as well as six major coffee companies: illycaffe, JDE Peet’s, Lavazza, Nestlé, Paulig, and Tchibo. .
Initially, its purpose is to research and convey clinical knowledge about the effects of coffee intake on human fitness and well-being; However, this technique has also been extended to environmental adequacy.