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Two years after the publication of the BPEX Roadmap, the reduction in climate change potential (carbon footprint) already achieved is beyond expectation, far exceeding the overall 2020 target.
An updated report was launched by Farming Minister George Eustice at an industry event held in the House of Commons.
In particular, the reduction in climate change potential achieved to date of 26 per cent amounts to 800,000 tonnes of CO2-eq in 2012 compared to 2008.
There have been considerable improvements in eutrophication, acidification and resource depletion four years into a 12-year timeframe - ie we are using resources more efficiently and stemming the losses of phosphorous, ammonia and using energy better.
The composition of pig feed delivered the greatest single contribution to the reduction in carbon footprint.
This is not totally unexpected as volatility and high commodity prices in 2010 caused feed compounders and nutritionists working directly with farmers to find new sources of proteins in particular resulting in a move away from soya bean meal to food co-products and by-products.
At the same time we have also seen improvements in farm productivity and pig health which are demonstrating the industry’s pro-active approach.
Wednesday January 22, 2014/ BPEX/ United Kingdom.
http://www.bpex.org.uk
