The new tool, Klimatkalkylen (the climate impact calculator), measures actual emissions of greenhouse gases from the farmer’s cultivation and factors in local growing conditions
To succeed in the ongoing transition in greening the agriculture sector, correct data are needed in order to monitor the efficacy of sustainability measures. Lantmännen and Dataväxt hope this tool can contribute to a new sector standard for measuring climate impact and to create added value for Swedish grain.
Klimatkalkylen aims at contributing to a climate neutral agriculture in the future
The tool that has been developed by Dataväxt and Lantmännen factors in the type of crop, harvest, fertiliser use, tractor fuel consumption etc., and compiles all the data into a CO₂ footprint per kg harvested (expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents). Comprehensive data collection is already happening on farms with products and technology from Dataväxt. All this information will be able to be used directly in the newly developed software for cultivation, Klimatkalkylen, which is unique and differs from other tools and systems used today. Klimatkalkylen can be used as a decision-making support system, for example when choosing seed and soil preparation, and provides a more correct picture of the climate footprint of an individual farm.
“In many cases, a standard value forms the basis for CO2 calculations today. We will now be able to get a bit closer to the true value as the calculations also take into account local conditions. In order to contribute with new knowledge in this area and to confirm we are moving in the right direction, we must be able to measure initiatives linked to the sustainable agriculture of the future. Sweden already has one of the world’s most sustainable agriculture sectors, and via this tool, we aim to contribute to further improve our climate performance and be able to demonstrate it as well,” said Claes Johansson, head of Sustainable Development at Lantmännen.
Via the tool, Lantmännen and Dataväxt wish to contribute to a new sector standard for measuring climate impact and at the same time, create opportunities for new business models linked to sustainable added values at farm level. Pilot trials are now going to be implemented with a beta version of the tool, where different business models will be evaluated and further developed.
Framtidsgården Bjertorp – the first pilot farm
Framtidsgården Bjertorp was officially opened on 15 April where Lantmännen is going to present solutions for the farming of the Future in practice, with the latest technology within precision sowing, sustainable input goods, intermediate crops that increase carbon sequestration, as well as measures that boost biodiversity. The first version of the tool will be demonstrated during the official opening and a full scale version will then be used on the farm for measuring and monitoring purposes in 2021. A further ten or so farms are set to be added to the pilot study in the future.
“Data within agriculture are starting to become increasingly valued and there is willingness to pay for this – for increased sustainability, traceability and other values that can deliver business benefits. We envisage a big potential for Klimatkalkylen moving forward, with larger harvests and less climate impact as a consequence, which will benefit individual farmers and Swedish agriculture in general,” stated Johan Martinsson, head of Business Development at Dataväxt.
The tool is planned to be launched in autumn 2021.
