Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of carbon farming practices in Wallonia

Details

Supervisors

Van den Broeck, Goedele

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en sciences agronomiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Climate change poses an urgent threat to global environmental stability, necessitating a transition to carbon neutrality. Agriculture, while being a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, also presents opportunities for mitigation through carbon farming practices. This thesis focuses on Wallonia, Belgium, to investigate the cost-effectiveness of four carbon farming practices: agroforestry, hedges, compost application, and temporary grasslands. A Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) was constructed using a detailed cost model that incorporates data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), Mecacost, (2017), and pricing information from seed and plant retailers. Carbon sequestration potentials were derived from existing literature. The analysis reveals varying cost-effectiveness and carbon sequestration potential among the practices, with new organic carbon input (compost application) emerging as the most cost-effective option in most regions. The study highlights regional variations in costs and sequestration potential, emphasizing the importance of tailoring strategies to specific contexts. Certain regions benefit from negative costs for implementing temporary grasslands due to low crop yields, demonstrating the potential for economic benefits alongside carbon sequestration. Sensitivity analysis reveals the impact of increasing mechanization costs, with compost application being most affected. The thesis underscores the limitations of the engineering MACC approach, including data gaps and assumptions. The need for further research is highlighted, particularly in developing region-specific carbon sequestration models, conducting more comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses, and incorporating life cycle assessments. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the potential and challenges of carbon farming in Wallonia. By providing region-specific insights, the study supports informed policy interventions and sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to climate change mitigation. Policymakers are urged to consider the varying cost-effectiveness and abatement potential of practices when designing incentives. This research ultimately paves the way for a more environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural sector in Wallonia.