12. Energy use, GHG emissions and waste management

GHG emissions from agriculture need to be reduced, specifically Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O). Emissions from agriculture constitute more than 50% of the EU emission of these gasses. Also the Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission needs to be lowered.
Agriculture has also a unique opportunity to sequester Carbon in soils. All amounting to a lower carbon footprint of the farm and the produce. Methods to reduce the carbon footprint and to sequester carbon in soils (see chapter on soil cultivation etc.) and long term biomass like woods (> 50 years) should be included in IP methods.
The evaluation of such emission should be based on LCA methods to calculate emissions from cradle to farmgate in terms of CO2 equivalent (farm or produce).