Fast and Furious: The Rise of Environmental Impact Reporting in Food Systems

Powerful long-term drivers are increasing both the demand and supply of quantified environmental impact information in food systems. The trend is fast (with many initiatives underway) and furious (presenting a confusing landscape) but has so far received little attention from economists.

Better information can inform public and private efforts to reduce environmental pressures. However, the use of different methodologies and reporting requirements could lead to a fragmented landscape. Moreover, there is a risk that poor producers will be disproportionately affected.

In a recent report, ‘Fast and Furious: The Rise of Environmental Impact Reporting in Food Systems, in the European Review of Agricultural Economic’, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) discusses carbon footprints, scope 3 reporting, labeling food with environmental impact scores, and featured initiatives.

Explore trends, drivers, impacts and potential pitfalls, as well as the many open research and policy questions relating to environmental impact reporting here.

Alternatively, watch the recording of the report author Koen Deconinck, OECD Economist and Policy Analyst, presenting the main ideas, specifically looking at carbon footprints – available here.