Japan has launched a greenhouse-gas-reduction labeling system for 23 domestically produced farm products.
The use of the label is voluntary, and producers may use the label to self-declare products that are produced with sustainable practices associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions than those produced by conventional cultivation, according to a summary from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
The system, which launched March 1 following a two-year pilot project, was developed in line with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ green food system strategy known as MIDORI. According to the report, the system aims to create a consumer understanding of environmentally friendly agricultural production efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The MAFF “promotes decarbonization throughout the food supply chain with an aim to build a sustainable food system,” the report said. The system from MAFF promotes the “visualization” of environmental impact reduction efforts with food labels to foster public understanding of such efforts, allow consumers to make sustainable purchasing decisions and to facilitate investment in environmentally friendly agricultural supply chains, according to the summary.
The labeling system allows producers to calculate their greenhouse gas emissions and the reduction contribution rate in accordance with the MAFF Assessment and Labeling Guidelines for Environmental Impact Reduction on Agricultural Products.
“The emissions rate is indicated by the number of stars: One star indicates a reduction by 5%, two stars indicate a reduction by 10% and three stars indicate a reduction by 20% or more,” the release said.
While use of the label does not require third-party verification, MAFF can request raw data from producers if there is doubt about the reported information, according to the release. In addition, the report said the guidelines stipulate that the labeling system is subject to Japanese regulations against unjustifiable premiums and misleading representations.
“As businesses increasingly seek to adopt [greenhouse gas] emission reduction efforts, MAFF expects that food processors and distributors may use the [greenhouse gas] emissions label as a guide for purchasing products that add value to their company’s own GHG reduction efforts,” the report said. “MAFF also anticipates that participation in the labeling system will give producers opportunities to expand sales channels with businesses committed to [greenhouse gas] emission reduction efforts, as well as provide a competitive advantage when seeking investments and loans.”
According to the report, there is no defined relationship between the use of the label and carbon credits.
Crops included in the labeling system include spinach, leeks, onions, Chinese cabbage, potatoes, sweetpotatoes, cabbage, lettuce, daikon (Japanese white radish), tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, apples, Japanese pears, peaches, mandarin oranges and grapes.
The greenhouse gas label cannot be applied to livestock and dairy products, although MAFF has established a livestock working group to formulate greenhouse gas emission calculation tools for beef and dairy cattle to eventually make these products eligible for the label as well, the report said.
