Introduction to MIRC 2014 Research: Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming
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Transcript of Introduction to MIRC 2014 Research: Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming
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
MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming
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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.
MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming
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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.
MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming
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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
816 Apr 2014MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment
Study for Mint Farming
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
MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming
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.
1016 Apr 2014MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment
Study for Mint Farming
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.
1116 Apr 2014MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment
Study for Mint Farming
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
1216 Apr 2014MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment
Study for Mint Farming