Project staff engaged with California growers, farm advisors and other extension personnel, and partner organizations throughout the study.
Project Staff
Dr. Sonja Brodt, Academic Coordinator, UC SAREP and ASI (Project Director) Dr. Alissa Kendall, Associate Professor, UC Davis Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Elias Marvinney, Graduate Student Researcher, UC Davis Plant Sciences Department
This study calculated the GHG emissions, energy use, on-farm water use and six common air pollutants linked to the production of five orchard crops, and considered production stages from orchard establishment through management, post-harvest processing, and orchard removal and disposal. Transportation along the entire orchard life cycle was also included.
LCA is a comprehensive method for estimating and analyzing the environmental impacts of products and services ‘from cradle to grave.’ In the case of orchard production, the analysis is from ‘nursery to farm-gate’ – including manufacturing and shipping of agrochemicals, fuels, materials, and equipment, as well as air emissions from the combustion of fuels and field emissions. For some crops this study also extends beyond the farm gate to include post-harvest and processing operations.
This UC SAREP study aims to help growers and processors better understand the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of California tomato cultivation and processing.
What are the energy, greenhouse gas, and water implications of eating locally produced foods compared to foods sourced through national distribution networks?
This UC SAREP study aims to help growers and policy makers better understand the energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon sequestration potential of orchard systems throughout California.
