Low Carbon Livestock certification is intended for livestock farms that demonstrate carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emission levels within the limits defined for this scheme.

Framework
This certification scheme is based on the methodology used by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the preparation of their respective reports. It also uses the methodology of the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) to calculate carbon storage in forest species. These data are set out in Annex I.

Procedure
The carbon balance for each farm is calculated by taking the farm boundaries themselves as the system boundary. This means that only the emissions and carbon sequestration taking place within the farm are accounted for. All elements within the farm that influence the carbon balance are considered in this calculation, including, for example, carbon stored by trees and grasslands.

Any farm seeking certification under this scheme is assessed on the basis of the following points:

Fertilisation
Based on the soil analysis carried out before the crop is established, the amount of fertiliser applied is calculated in order to avoid excess use.

Energy costs
The farm must provide the certification body with data on electricity and fuel consumption associated with its activity.

Livestock herd
For a correct analysis of emissions from livestock, the herd must be divided into age groups, in accordance with Annex I.

Livestock feeding
The feeding practices used for the livestock in the different age groups must be identified.

Livestock effluent management
The existence of livestock effluent management practices must be identified. Where such practices exist, it must be stated whether that management takes place within the farm. Whenever effluent management is carried out on the farm, the type of treatment, the quantity involved and its duration must also be identified.

Tree density
The different forest species present on the farm are analysed and, based on an aerial image, they are quantified by species.

Grassland
The different species making up the grassland are analysed in order to determine whether it falls within the category of biodiverse grassland rich in legumes.

Based on the information collected from the points described above, the relevant parameters are then calculated.

Decision
A farm is granted certification if the resulting CO2e value is equal to or less than zero. This means that the balance between emitted carbon and sequestered carbon is, at most, neutral. In other words, the difference between emissions and sequestration must be neutral or negative for the farm to display the Low Carbon Livestock logo on its products.

Certification is valid for one agricultural year for each farm.

Certification
Products in conformity may display the corresponding logo on their labelling.

For more information, please contact Agricert.