Agricultural life cycle assessment (Agri-LCA) is a systematic approach to evaluating the environmental and social impacts associated with agricultural production systems throughout their life cycles, from the extraction of input materials and agricultural production to processing, distribution, consumption, and end-of-life management [1][2]. It applies life cycle assessment (LCA) principles to agricultural activities, considering factors such as land and water use, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. When extended to social dimensions, Agri-LCA also examines the implications of agricultural production and supply chains for workers, rural communities, consumers, and other stakeholders. Demographic characteristics, including population distribution, household structure, and labor composition, may inform the assessment of social impacts and the identification of affected groups [3]. By integrating life cycle perspectives with agricultural and socioeconomic data, Agri-LCA provides a framework for comparing production systems and examining the sustainability implications of agricultural practices and policies[4].
- environmental assessment
- agricultural sustainability
- agri-food systems
- social life cycle assessment
- demographic impacts
References
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Environmental Management—Life Cycle Assessment—Principles and Framework. ISO 14040:2006; ISO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2006. https://www.iso.org/standard/37456.html
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Environmental Management—Life Cycle Assessment—Requirements and Guidelines. ISO 14044:2006; ISO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2006. https://www.iso.org/standard/38498.html
- Poritosh Roy; Daisuke Nei; Takahiro Orikasa; Qingyi Xu; Hiroshi Okadome; Nobutaka Nakamura; Takeo Shiina; A review of life cycle assessment (LCA) on some food products. J. Food Eng. 2009, 90, 1-10, 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2008.06.016.
- Clandio F. Ruviaro; Miguelangelo Gianezini; Fernanda S. Brandão; César A. Winck; Homero Dewes; Life cycle assessment in Brazilian agriculture facing worldwide trends. J. Clean. Prod. 2012, 28, 9-24, 10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.10.015.