GHG Emissions from Agriculture Projected to Surge by 7.5% in Next Decade: FAO & OECD Report

In a recent joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it has been revealed that greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture are anticipated to increase by 7.5% over the next ten years.

This growth rate falls just shy of half the projected output growth, indicating a significant reduction in the carbon intensity of agricultural production. The report highlights that the livestock sector is expected to account for a staggering 86% of the overall increase in emissions. This emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices and innovative solutions in livestock management to mitigate the environmental impact of this sector.

The agricultural outlook presented in the report paints a contrasting picture for different regions. North America is projected to witness a decline in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, mainly due to advancements in technology and improved farming practices. Conversely, sub-Saharan Africa is likely to experience a rise in emissions as crop and livestock production increases. This underlines the importance of making transformative investments in the agrifood systems of the region to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly practices are adopted.

Latin America, on the other hand, is expected to continue having higher agricultural greenhouse gas emissions compared to its share of global output. This highlights the need for targeted efforts to reduce emissions in this region, such as promoting more efficient land use and sustainable agricultural practices.

The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032, the cornerstone of global agricultural commodity market projections, provides valuable insights into the medium-term prospects of the sector. The report offers comprehensive decadal projections for various commodities including cereals, vegetable oils, dairy products, meat, sugar, fish, cotton, tropical fruits, pulses, and agricultural output used for biofuels. Furthermore, it also incorporates preliminary analyses of the role of food loss and waste, shedding light on the importance of addressing these issues in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

With the looming challenge of climate change, it is imperative that farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders work hand in hand to develop and implement strategies that promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices while ensuring global food security and economic prosperity.