Setting the Standard for Sustainable Food Systems:
Initiative for an U.S. Footprint Database
As demand grows for accurate footprint data to meet evolving policy requirements and industry needs, the call for standardized life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations in the U.S. agrifood industry has become essential. Mérieux NutriSciences | Blonk is stepping up to meet this need by launching a pioneering initiative: the development of a U.S.-specific footprint database designed to empower food system stakeholders in their transition toward sustainability. Backed by broad support from the U.S. research community and selected as an Innovation Sprints Partner by Aim for Climate, this dynamic and accessible database will provide comprehensive, consistent LCA-based insights tailored to the unique needs of the U.S. agrifood sector. In the months ahead, the groundwork will be laid for this crucial resource, setting a new standard in sustainable food system practices.
The need for standardized environmental footprint data
In response to rising demand driven by policy changes and industry pressures, the U.S. agrifood sector faces a growing need for standardized LCA calculations and reliable footprint data. Establishing a robust scientific framework is essential to set clear methodologies, standards, and data requirements that ensure accuracy and consistency across the industry. However, it is equally important to balance these scientific standards with practical, fair applications for industry players. Detailed emission models are crucial for pinpointing and prioritizing the most effective mitigation strategies. “We see an urgent need to establish a level playing field for LCA methodology and accurate footprint data in the U.S. agrifood sector,” said Janjoris van Diepen, Footprint Director North America. “This is why we want to build a coalition to develop a U.S.-specific Smart Footprint Database, designed to support sustainable progress across the industry.”
We see an urgent need to establish a level playing field for LCA methodology and accurate footprint data in the U.S. agrifood sector. This is why we want to build a coalition to develop a U.S.-specific Smart Footprint Database, designed to support sustainable progress across the industry.
Smart Footprint Database: Driving agri-food sustainability in the U.S.
-
Access and independent oversight
The U.S. agri-food footprint methodology and database will be accessible to all, managed by an independent not-for-profit organization, ensuring broad usability and credibility.
-
Transparency and continuous improvement
Built with a commitment to transparency, the methodology and data will be continually updated to incorporate new scientific insights and adapt to evolving market needs.
-
Footprint data built on supply chain models
The footprint data should be built up by transparent supply chain models to facilitate intervention assessments
-
Accessibility
The database will be designed for easy access and complemented by user-friendly footprint tooling.
-
Sustainable governance model
The not-for-profit governing body will implement a sustainable business model, with funding from both data providers and users to support ongoing quality assurance, development, and expansion.
-
Inclusive development process
Engagement from all key stakeholders, including the scientific community and industry partners, will drive the collaborative development of both the methodology and data, ensuring relevance and reliability across the sector.
Scientific foundation and Aim for Climate Innovation Sprint Partner
To build a robust scientific foundation for the Smart Footprint Database and its underlying methodology, we are honored to have the support of Blonk’s research fellows: Dr. Greg Thoma, Director of Agricultural Modeling and Life Cycle Assessment at Colorado State University, and Dr. Marty Matlock, Professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas. Their expertise ensures that the database’s methodology remains scientifically rigorous and impactful. Additionally, the initiative has been selected as an Innovation Sprint Partner by Aim for Climate, reinforcing its importance in advancing climate-smart practices across agriculture and the food system.
Dr. Greg Thoma
Director of Agricultural Modeling and Life Cycle Assessment at Colorado State University
Dr. Marty Matlock
Professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas
More information
Get in touch
Janjoris van Diepen
Do you have questions about the development of a U.S.-specific footprint database, please get in touch with Janjoris van Diepen, Footprint Director North America