Product GHG & Carbon footprint implications for Chilean agrifood SMEs considering exporting to the EU

Abstract

This information sheet seeks to provide useful insights to Chilean SME agrifood exporters interested in targeting the European Union (EU) market. Universally, urgent attention is focussed on environmental sustainability – to conserve natural resources and protect global ecosystems to support health and wellbeing, now and in the future. Agriculture, the processing of food products and trade have an important role to play. Increasing regulatory policies and consumer demands are being driven by growing sustainability concerns and natural disasters resulting from climate change. All 191 United Nations (UN) countries have committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Urgent action to combat climate change resulting from greenhouse gases (GHG) is a key goal. Carbon dioxide (CO2) constitutes 76% of global manmade greenhouse gas emissions. By sector, ‘Agriculture, Forestry & Land Use’ (18.4%) is the second largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions; followed closely by transportation and shipping. In Chile, the institution promoting the supply of Chilean goods and services to the world, ProChile – has established that managing products’ lifecycle carbon footprint is the way forward.