Topic 2.9: Transportation

Global food consumption has increased the production and distribution of food, causing several economic, social, environmental, and economic problems worldwide. According to a statement by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), while food production must increase, its negative environmental impact must simultaneously be reduced. In addition, a key objective of the European Green Deal, developed by the European Commission, is to cut greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 90%, aiming to make the EU economy climate neutral by 2050.

As transportation accounts for approximately one-fifth of the total carbon emissions from food systems, logistics within the food supply chain plays a crucial role in the sector’s sustainability. Important sustainability indicators for logistics service providers include carbon emissions, fuel consumption, employee training, and absenteeism. The most significant opportunities for reducing carbon emissions in transportation are related to vehicle modifications, fuel improvements, and enhanced transport management systems.

Emission factors for transporting food worldwide as of 2018, by selected modes of transport

(in kilograms of CO2 equivalent per metric ton-kilometer)

Air: 1,13

Road: 0,2 (temperature controlled: 0,66)

Rail: 0,05

Sea: 0,01