By Jamie Martin
The Meat Institute has published a new industry report that examines how companies across animal agriculture calculate and report scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions occur upstream in the supply chain and are often difficult to measure accurately.
The report is designed to help meat and poultry companies better understand emissions of data sources and methods. It encourages businesses to improve communication with data providers and develop climate strategies that reflect real operating conditions.
“This report is intended as a practical resource for companies throughout the meat and poultry supply chain to better understand how emissions data are developed, to ask clearer questions of data providers, and to build strategies that reflect their operational realities,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts.
“The report also outlines current knowledge gaps and points to where practical guidance and coordination could help improve alignment throughout the supply chain,” said Potts.
Information for the study was gathered from Meat Institute members through surveys, interviews, and industry roundtables. Independent experts also reviewed the findings. The report focuses on emissions factors related to beef pork and poultry production.
One major finding is the wide variation in reported emission values. Differences are influenced by measurement units geographic assumptions and whether land use changes are considered separately. These variations make comparisons across companies challenging.
The report explains that while many companies rely on the same research studies, they often apply the data differently. This depends on sourcing locations, customer expectations, and reporting goals.
It also highlights the lack of publicly available poultry data. Most poultry emissions figures come from third party tools with limited published research support.
The Meat Institute states that choices such as methane calculation methods or IPCC assessment versions can significantly change reported results. The report is intended to support better alignment collaboration and practical improvements in environmental reporting across animal agriculture supply chains.
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Categories: National