Case Study: Farm Carbon Audit
Herefordshire Farm Carbon Footprint Project: Paving the Way for Sustainable Agriculture
FARM CARBON AUDITING PROJECT AT A GLANCE
In collaboration with Herefordshire Council's Greener Footprints Initiative and the Herefordshire Climate and Nature Partnership Board, a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment was conducted across 40 diverse farms in the county. The project aimed to establish baseline carbon emissions and identify opportunities for reduction across various farming types and sizes.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a comprehensive audit and benchmarking project to establish the carbon footprints of farms throughout the county.
METHODOLOGY
✔ Utilisation of IPCC and PAS2050 accredited calculator for consistency
✔ Single experienced assessor with extensive agricultural background to ensure uniform data collection and interpretation
✔ In-person report delivery and walkthrough to facilitate understanding and discussion
✔ Comprehensive benchmarking against similar enterprises nationwide
✔ Stakeholder engagement through farm events to share findings and foster collaboration
✔ Guidance on available grants to support carbon efficiency improvements
KEY FINDINGS
Carbon reduction potential identified across all farm sizes
Integrated and mixed farming systems demonstrated lower carbon footprints
Grasslands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration
Significant impact of woodland and hedgerows on overall carbon balance
Importance of detailed record-keeping for accurate assessment and improvement tracking
The fundamental role of comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, including:
Soil organic matter analysis
On-farm manure testing
Efficient use of on-farm organic materials
Reduction in artificial inputs
KEY METRICS
40 FARMS ASSESSED
12,500 HECTARES COVERED
BENCHMARKED AGAINST 12,000 FARMS
Project Team Leader
Jonathan Lloyd
Agricultural Consultant
Jonathan works closely with farmers to develop their bespoke Nutrient Management Plans and Carbon Reports. Jonathan’s qualifications include FACTS and WAMITAB and he has worked in practical farm management on a range of mixed farms for many years, along with recycling organic materials to land. Therefore, he understands farm systems and can ensure advice is bespoke to individual farms.