Canadian chicken farmers reducing environmental footprint – WATTPoultry.com

Report on the Environmental Performance of the Canadian Chicken Sector and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Executive Summary

A recent lifecycle assessment (LCA) conducted for Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) by Groupe AGÉCO provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental performance of the Canadian chicken industry. The findings confirm significant progress in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint between 2016 and 2023. This report details these achievements, with a specific focus on their direct contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Key Performance Indicators and Environmental Progress (2016-2023)

The assessment quantifies improvements across several key environmental metrics, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable production patterns.

1. Carbon Footprint Reduction: The carbon footprint per kilogram of eviscerated chicken decreased by 6%, from 2.3 kg CO₂ equivalent in 2016 to 2.2 kg in 2023. This directly supports climate action initiatives.
2. Resource Efficiency: The feed conversion ratio improved by 6%, indicating more efficient use of resources. Furthermore, the carbon footprint associated with feed production was reduced by approximately 10%.
3. Water Management: Water consumption per kilogram of production remained stable, reflecting consistent management practices in line with water conservation goals.
4. National Emissions Contribution: The chicken production sector accounts for only 0.4% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, positioning it as a low-carbon animal protein source.

Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The progress documented in the LCA aligns with several key SDGs, underscoring the sector’s role in advancing the global sustainability agenda.

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The 6% reduction in feed conversion ratio and the 10% lower carbon footprint of feed are direct evidence of more sustainable and efficient production patterns. These efforts promote resource efficiency and reduce waste within the food system.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The 6% decline in the overall carbon footprint per kilogram of chicken is a measurable contribution to mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By improving production efficiency, the sector enhances its capacity to provide a sustainable and reliable source of protein, contributing to food security.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The industry’s commitment to future investments in ventilation upgrades, enhanced insulation, and smart barn technologies demonstrates a focus on building resilient and sustainable agricultural infrastructure.

Future Outlook and Strategic Commitments

The Canadian chicken sector demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and long-term environmental stewardship. Planned investments in innovative on-farm technologies are expected to further reduce the industry’s environmental impact. These forward-looking strategies ensure the sector continues to align with evolving sustainability expectations and contributes positively to national and international environmental goals, reinforcing its dedication to the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses improvements in chicken production, a key source of protein in the food system. By focusing on the efficiency and sustainability of food production (specifically, animal protein), it connects directly to the goal of creating sustainable food systems to feed the global population.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • This is a central theme of the article. The lifecycle assessment (LCA) measures the environmental footprint of chicken production, focusing on resource efficiency. The reported reductions in carbon footprint and feed conversion ratio are direct examples of promoting more sustainable production patterns.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article’s primary focus is on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from chicken farming. The measurement and reporting of a 6% decline in the carbon footprint per kilogram of chicken is a clear action taken to combat climate change within a specific industry.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems
   • The article details how Canadian chicken farmers are implementing practices to make their production more sustainable. The reduction in the feed conversion ratio and the lower carbon footprint of feed are examples of implementing more resilient and efficient agricultural practices to increase productivity sustainably.
2. Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
   • The entire lifecycle assessment is an exercise in measuring the use of natural resources. The article highlights a 6% reduction in the feed conversion ratio, which signifies more efficient use of feed resources. While water use remained stable, its measurement is part of managing this critical resource. The reduction in carbon footprint also implies more efficient energy use.
3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies and planning
   • The commitment by Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) to conduct lifecycle assessments and act on the findings represents the integration of climate change measures into the sector’s strategy. The article mentions future plans to invest in “ventilation upgrades, enhanced insulation, and smart barn technologies,” which are concrete plans to further mitigate climate impact.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Carbon footprint per unit of production
   • The article explicitly states this indicator, measuring it as “kg CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of chicken.” It provides precise data showing a reduction from 2.3 kg in 2016 to 2.2 kg in 2023, a 6% decrease. This directly measures progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (SDG 13) and improving resource efficiency (SDG 12).
2. Feed conversion ratio
   • A 6% reduction in the feed conversion ratio is reported. This is a key indicator of agricultural efficiency and sustainability (SDG 2). It measures the amount of feed required to produce one kilogram of chicken, with a lower ratio indicating greater efficiency and less resource use.
3. Water use per unit of production
   • The article mentions the measurement of “water use per kilogram of production.” Although it remained stable, the act of monitoring this metric serves as an indicator for the sustainable management of water resources (SDG 12).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wattagnet.com