By Jonathan Smith and Mukti Mitchell, September 2009
including research by Rupert Hawley and Jenny Hall
Background
This calculator accurately calculates carbon emissions and sequestration from all farming activities. This knowledge offers a marketing tool to attract carbon-conscious consumers as well as a guide to farming practices that reduce emissions and increase sequestration.
Data comes from 30 of over 100 studies considered, including sources from the IPCC and DEFRA. We believe it to be the most comprehensive and accurate agricultural carbon calculator available today. In particular it covers soil organic processes and sequestration, which are omitted from most other agricultural calculators yet can be the greatest contributors to net carbon emissions or sequestration. We aim to expand the calculator for non-organic farmers and growers in 2010. There is a guide next to the Total Weight of Produce box. Our full list of references can be found here.
How to use
Navigate to each section using the tabs at the top of the page, and enter details for your farm over a one-year accounting period.
Greenhouse gas emissions are represented in carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) where 1kg Methane = 25kg CO2e and 1kg Nitrous Oxide = 298kg CO2e. Emissions - sequestration = net CO2 emissions. So a positive balance indicates net emissions and a negative balance indicates your farm is a carbon sink.
To help with the process, a farmer and grower checklist can be used prior to beginning your carbon calculation.
Conditions for Use
You are welcome to use the carbon calculator for free. However, you are not permitted to make your results public, or use them for marketing purposes, without entering the Climate Friendly Food Participatory Certification scheme. This is currently only available in the UK.
Disclaimer
CFF collects entered data in a farm carbon database. Information is strictly confidential and will not be shared without your permission. Data will be used by CFF for education, promotion and funding monitoring purposes without identifying individual farms. We hope this database will become an invaluable resource in coming years.
CFF cannot take responsibility for the effect that any errors in calculations or original data used may have on organisations or individuals. We aim to update the calculator every year according to latest best science.