introduction to mirc 2014 research: energy & resource assessment study for mint farming research...

Introduction to MIRC 2014 Research:

Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

Research being conducted by etc3 Ltd

Contents

• Purpose of Research• Benefits of Research• Research Methods• Online Questionnaire for Growers• Grower Participation• Data Confidentiality• Energy Data – Background (MIRC Carbon Footprint

Study 2011)• Energy Data – 2014 Study Aims• Water Use and Waste Data• Timescale for Study

216 Apr 2014

Purpose of Research

The Mint Industry Research Council has commissioned etc3 Ltd to conduct an “Energy and Resource Assessment Study” during 2014.

The Study has two purposes:

To determine what energy efficiency improvements have been implemented on North American mint farms over the past 2-3 years – and how effective these have been

To record and evaluate data on water consumption and waste handling on mint farms

MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

316 Apr 2014

Benefits of Research

To help MIRC determine whether growers are targeting energy efficiency measures at those farm activities which drive up the carbon footprint of mint oil products

To allow MIRC to identify cultivation / processing practices proven to reduce mint oil’s overall environmental (water, waste, energy) footprint

To give potential for MIRC to create an environmental footprint database to answer queries from mint oil customers seeking to improve the sustainability of their products


416 Apr 2014

Research Methods

The study method will involve a questionnaire survey for growers – can be completed online.

The study will collect data from mint farms to identify where farming and process improvements have been adopted. Carbon footprints will be calculated and compared to show the effectiveness of different improvement methods.

Waste and water use data will be collected from growers in different regions to compare how different practices affect environmental performance.

The results will be interpreted and presented in a report aimed at encouraging the adoption and sponsorship of environmental best practices throughout the sector.


516 Apr 2014

Online Questionnaire

Questionnaire allows growers to insert energy use, water and waste data for specific farming operations, as available from farm records

We encourage you to complete the questionnaire online. You will be able to save your progress and return at a later time, if necessary.

Online access to the questionnaire is available at: www.mircnews.org

If you do not wish to participate online, contact the MIRC Administrative Office to receive a paper copy.


616 Apr 2014

http://www.mircnews.org/

Grower Participation

Growers’ efforts to fully and accuratelycomplete questionnaires is vital – & greatly appreciated by MIRC

Help is available - growers’ queries about the questionnaire can be answered via the MIRC office, who will contact researchers and send answers to you

Our main aim is to compile a large, reliable dataset. If we have this, we can better construct viable energy- and money- saving recommendations for mint farming

THANKS!

716 Apr 2014MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment

Study for Mint Farming

Data Confidentiality

All data questionnaires completed by growers will be anonymized

Completed questionnaires will be retained centrally by MIRC, and external analysts will not have access to farm identity data

Only State and growing region location details will be sent to analysts (so that geographical trends in data can be examined)

Data provided will be used only within the context of the MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study – it will not be disclosed to or shared with any third party during or after the period of study



ENERGY DATABackground - MIRC Carbon Footprint Study 2011

In 2011, MIRC funded a study which gathered data on energy use on North American mint farms during mint oil production. This study provided a figure for the carbon footprint (CF) of mint oil (to the farm gate). Key findings were:

Distillation is the most energy-intensive operation on farms, especially where fuel used is diesel

The fuel use for cultivation can vary greatly on individual farms

While electricity use is the smallest contributor to emissions, it can be a significant portion of the total carbon footprint when it is the fuel source for irrigation


916 Apr 2014

ENERGY DATA - 2014 Study Aims

The new study will compare before-and-after energy use data from mint farms which have changed practices / technology (e.g. cultivation / distillation methods) since 2011 with the specific aim of reducing energy consumption. Data will be analysed to identify:

differentials in farm-specific energy consumption which can be allocated to given energy efficiency measures adopted in mint cultivation

average scale of energy savings achieved by mint farms in the study

potential reductions in CO2 emissions which could be achieved in North American mint farming if particular efficiency measures where adopted by the industry.



Water Use and Waste Data

The study will collect data on water use and waste generation on mint farms, to help identify:

The scale of adoption of water conservation advice on mint farms (e.g. incidence of soil moisture monitoring, variation in irrigation methods and irrigation efficiency)

The key waste management issues for mint farming (e.g. wastewater management, oil storage and disposal, management of agrochemicals, crop residue composting).

The findings will be used to identify best practices for managing water / waste issues in the sector.



Timescale for Study

May 2014 – Questionnaire available on MIRC website

May 2014 – Growers contacted to request participation

June 2014 – deadline for completion and return of questionnaires by growers (reminders will be sent mid-June)

July-September 2014 – Analysis of data and reporting



introduction to mirc 2014 research: energy & resource assessment study for mint farming research...

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