Emissions from Agricultural Production and Consumption

The methods to obtain GHG emission estimates for food products are in two sections, one covering livestock and the second covering crops. This indicator estimates GHG emissions from agricultural production and consumption incorporate numerous fruits, vegetables, nuts, pulses and legumes and other crops. While these crops tend to have much lower GHG emission intensity than animal derived products, their inclusion provides a fuller picture of the agricultural commodities used in the global food system. For 2026 report, an estimate of Land Use Change emissions from crops is included.

This indicator measures GHG emissions from national food consumption, defined as domestic production plus net imports, excluding emissions from individual consumption. It includes production and organic soil cultivation but excludes transport, processing, storage, decomposition, and land-use change. Consumption-based emissions are on average 2.25% higher than production-based estimates. Food losses during production and transport are included, but decomposition emissions are excluded. Globally, 8–10% of anthropogenic GHG emissions are linked to food loss and waste, disproportionately higher in high-income countries.