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The Australian vegetable industry and growers can now calculate their farms’ carbon footprint thanks to Karl Forsyth’s development of the Vegetable Carbon Calculator.

The online calculator has been designed specifically for the vegetable industry and was developed in conjunction with growers from across the country.

Leading the South Australian Research and Development Institute – Australian Wine Research Institute Life Cycle Assessment Program, designed to provide environmental engineering services to Australian Primary Industries, Karl brings together expertise in Chemical engineering, economics and modelling to provide answers for industry partners.

An experienced life cycle assessment practitioner, proficient in both product and comparative life cycle assessments,  developing the International Wine Carbon Calculator, inspired Karl to seek further opportunities to assist primary industries to become more profitable through environmental and sustainability initiatives.

“The Vegetable Carbon Calculator provides a simple mechanism for every vegetable farmer in Australia to calculate their farms’ greenhouse gas emissions,” said Karl.

“It works by providing a platform for farmers to enter their production inputs, such as fuel, power and fertiliser consumption and receive information on which aspects of their farming practice are contributing most significantly to their carbon footprint.

The calculator is also able to help farmers assess if their carbon footprint is similar or different to other farmers, by benchmarking their emissions against others. Five different crop categories are used for the benchmarking process, leafy, cucurbit, brassica, root and other.”

There are around 6,350 vegetable farms in Australia, contributing to six per cent of the gross value of agricultural production. Vegetable production is an important part of Australia’s regional economy and provides employment and revenue opportunities across the supply chain.

Agriculture is thought to be responsible for up to 16% of Australia’s Greenhouse gas emissions. Preliminary estimates suggest that Horticulture contributes only about 1% to all agricultural emissions.

Karl said that on this basis it can be assumed that vegetables are a low carbon food source, but to benefit from this, farmers and vegetable industry participants must understand the principles and background associated with carbon accounting.

“Environmental concern is rapidly spreading throughout all aspects of society. Households are embracing concepts such as recycling and water management practices. Retailers are testing schemes which reduce packaging and lower greenhouse emissions and the Australian government may pursue the management of carbon emissions through a pricing mechanism. It is with this background that the Australian vegetable industry commissioned the development of an industry specific greenhouse gas accounting tool,” he said.

Training workshops have been held in each State to teach growers how to use the online calculator. Growers can also access training information though a number of different channels on the website. These different channels of training include presentations, training videos and extensive step-by-step manuals.

This project was funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using the vegetable levy and a voluntary contribution from Woolworths with matched funds from the Federal Government.
The resources created for this project, including a video presentation, are available on the Carbon Calculator website (www.vegiecarbontool.com.au).




Further information: Karl Forsyth 8313 0891 or SARDI Communications Terry Price 8303 9433 / 0423 292 867.