Energy Use in Food Production Chains: The Consequences of Reduction Strategies

摘要

Energy is needed in all the links of the food chain but requirements differ considerably among the various links of the chain. The example of the food chain of Dutch vegetables demonstrates that in order to identify the best energy reduction options, the whole chain should be addressed because energy reduction in one chain link can lead to a larger use in another link. Therefore, reduction options should address these trade-offs. Another issue is that energy reduction strategies might require larger inputs from other scarce resources thus affecting sustainability in a negative way. Conventionally, the three central objectives of sustainable development are social, economic and environmental in nature (Ranganathan, 1999). The concept not only considers strategies towards energy reduction but also behavior that leads to a net overall increase in the different forms of capital (economic, social and natural) associated with sustainable development (Moser, 2001). From this point of view, energy reduction in the food chain might require larger inputs from other scarce resources resulting in trade-offs. For example, from an energetic point of view, the availability of fresh vegetables in the Netherlands in winter has serious drawbacks. However, it provides a larger consumer satisfaction and contributes to a healthy diet, two important aspects of the social part of the sustainability concept. Available studies have shown that the use of energy in the food chain can be reduced (Kramer, 2000; Nonhebel and Moll, 2001). They have given a valuable contribution to the discussion on the sustainability of food production and consumption. However, energy reduction affects other resources related to sustainability, and influences economic and social aspects of the sustainability concept. Therefore, further studies should develop methods that also address other issues related to sustainable development, such as the use of scarce natural resources, the proper handling of wastes, or the support of the relevant qualities of natural systems. In this way, important interplays can be shown so that trade-offs are avoided.