A new study from the University of Gävle highlights the environmental benefits of growing tomatoes all year round in Sweden, compared to importing them from the Netherlands. The results, which can be applied to the whole food sector, show in particular the importance of sustainable energy systems.
The food industry has a huge environmental impact. Among other things, a third of our climate-affecting emissions can be linked to food. There is therefore reason to study how we can make this sector more sustainable. An example of questionable food climatic sustainability is tomatoes.
The demand for tomatoes all year round is so high that Swedish tomato growers cannot even in the summer meet this high demand from Swedish consumers. A year-round demand although the country's climate only allows customary outdoor cultivation for a limited period in the summer. Among other things, this has given rise to the fact that tomatoes cause up to 24 times more greenhouse gas emissions than carrots.
But, if demand also has to be met in winter, do we want Swedish-grown tomatoes from energy-intensive greenhouses? Or is it better to import from warmer climates, where less energy is required for heating? Conclusions from previous reports are that it is more sustainable with imports as an alternative to energy-demanding indoor cultivation. This is due to the energy consumption required to grow tomatoes in Swedish greenhouses during the cooler seasons.
Technological advances could mean more durable tomatoes
However, technological progress seems to have moved forward. Recently, researchers at the University of Gävle, led by energy system expert Daniel Danevad, conducted a comprehensive life cycle analysis (LCA) to compare the environmental impact of tomato cultivation in Sweden and the Netherlands. The study includes an in-depth examination of aspects such as energy use, the environmental impact of the energy sources, and the design of the greenhouses.
The results show that Swedish tomatoes, despite Sweden's cooler climate compared to the Netherlands, potentially have a smaller environmental impact. The researchers link this environmental advantage primarily to the use of renewable energy sources and other energy-efficient measures that are more common in Sweden.
The study also highlights the greenhouses' lighting technology as an important environmental factor. It appears that LED lamps, which are more energy efficient than traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, contribute to markedly lower energy consumption and thus reduce environmental impact.
In addition, the role of transport in the environmental impact of tomatoes is emphasized. The tomatoes imported from the Netherlands to Sweden entail longer transport routes and higher emissions than the shorter transports for domestically grown tomatoes.
Energy and choice of production method important
This research provides insight into how the choice of energy sources, energy systems, and production methods can affect how environmentally friendly our food sector is. The study also points to continuous improvement opportunities.
Although the study specifically focuses on tomato cultivation, its findings apply to other crops, especially in colder climates. The study therefore contributes to the understanding of sustainable food production and guides future food production.
However, a reflection that needs to be raised is that when we discuss sustainability in production, we tend to focus on how it can become more sustainable, which is excellent. But, it is also important to change the perspective: instead of focusing only on production, we should ask why there is unsustainable demand. Where is the root problem, and how can we address it? Maybe a theme for the next study?
Source: supermiljobloggen.se