Emission and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases from Agriculture and Food Manufacturing

Three greenhouse gases are associated with agriculture: carbon dioxide, from the burning of fossil fuels and decaying organic matter; methane, from wetlands and ruminant animals; and nitrous oxide, from fertilizer. This paper, prepared by the U.S. EPA’s Office of Industrial Technologies in 1999, provides a summary of technical knowledge on the relationship between the release of greenhouse gases and the agricultural industry (including forestry).

It details the sources of agricultural and food-manufacturing emissions and outlines the areas that need further research. The report also includes appendices on energy use in food manufacturing, and on the potential for reduction of GHG emissions in agriculture.

The report is helpful for those seeking background information, though it does not provide practical solutions to emissions reduction.