LCA Food 2012 in Saint Malo, France! - Manifestations et colloques ...

PARALLEL SESSION 1B: TOWARDS LIFE CYCLE SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT 8 th Int. Conference on LCA in the
Agri-Food Sector, 1-4 Oct 2012
count for production efficiency. On the other hand, both the mass and surface can be used as FU for assessing
global impacts, whether the hectare is preferred for regional impact assessment (Basset-Mens 2005).
Considering the multiple functions of the various systems studied here the proposed FU is “any useful
output per hectare in an average year” (Rettenmaier, Köppen et al., 2010). This option uses a FU which is the
same for all 4F scenarios and illustrates the competition for land between food and non food. On the other
hand, the function of agriculture is not to occupy land. Nor is this solution convenient to compare different
production systems, such as organic farming versus conventional farming, or different land use intensities,
because it does not account for the lesser productivity of organic farming or less intensive production systems.
A sensitivity analysis will thus test conclusions strength according to another FU defined as “any useful
output per kilogram of a given cereal in an average year”. Besides, regarding S-LCA, a FU considering
working hours can be a useful unit for specific socio-economic concerns.
6. Environmental life cycle assessment
Environmental Life Cycle Analysis (E-LCA) aims at identifying territorial differences regarding the cultivation
step in comparison with generic data found in commonly used databases.
Cultivation pathways and agricultural work processes are modelled on the basis of current research in the
Region. New cropping practices such as no tillage or direct sowing are being explored. Machines and tractor
consumptions are adapted according to common practices in Wallonia. Methods assessing direct field emissions
relating to agricultural inputs application during and after plant production are also closely surveyed,
especially since local climate, practices and soil characteristics can have a huge impact on environmental
performances. Other aspects such as inputs manufacture and management, and animal feeding and husbandry
are scrutinized too. Downstream of the cultivation step, different conversion processes will be studied, with a
focus on existing facilities.
7. Socio-economic life cycle assessment
Besides E-LCA, a Social Life Cycle Analysis (S-LCA) methodology is being elaborated in order to
evaluate socio-economic impacts of scenarios. S-LCA studies currently assess social performances and generally
not proper social impacts (Macombe, Feschet et al., 2011). Similarly to E-LCA, consequential LCA
will be used in order to evaluate specific social impacts due to decision alternatives. In that case S-LCA assesses
social impacts caused by choosing decision alternatives (Jorgensen et al., 2011).
The ultimate goal of this study is to contribute to the drawing up of a S-LCA methodology for the Walloon
cereal value chains. This S-LCA aims at answering the question: “What are the similarities, differences
and future trends in terms of added value and working environment for cereal Walloon chains?” The scope
includes the agricultural step down to the first conversion in Food, Feed, Fuel, Fibre sectors using Walloon
cereals. At the cultivation level geographical differences will consider crop choice linked to territorial specificities.
S-LCA implies the definition of a range of particular stakeholders (farmers, firms, workers and local
communities) and workable indicators (number of work-related accidents, employment, training, qualification,
etc.) specific to cereal production. Farmers constitute a specific category because they have a particular
status: they are at the same time consumers, sellers, workers and managers. Based on political priorities, a
methodology evaluating wellness from both the economic and social dimensions is being developed, based
respectively on added value and work time distribution.
Two impact categories are developed for this study: (i) distribution of added value along the agricultural
chain and (ii) working environment. These impact categories aim at being as quantifiable as possible because
results are focused on stakeholders of Walloon cereal chains directly concerned by cereal resources. Added
value is evaluated thanks (i) to regional database of agricultural accounts and (ii) balance sheets freely available
for the rest of the actors. Working environment will be evaluated through the “Bilan Travail” methodology
(INRA, l'Elevage et al., 2008) and thanks to several indicators and interviews. “Bilan Travail” is dedicated
to animal breeding and must therefore be adapted for cereal sectors. “Bilan Travail” estimates work
hours through interviews with farmers and other farm workers, dedicated to (i) repetitive and postponed
work, (ii) seasonal work and (iii) mutual aid work. Available time for administrative tasks, leisure time and
others are calculated by the difference between legal working days and days occupied by works listed above.
Others indicators such as numbers of work accidents, employment by value chain or distribution of work
contracts are used.
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