# Contextual conditions define maximum energy-use threshold in low-carbon controlled environment agriculture for agri-food transformation

## TL;DR

Controlled Environment Agriculture can be a low-carbon option if energy use is carefully managed based on specific conditions.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the Maximum Energy-use Threshold as a framework to evaluate low-carbon agriculture contexts.

## Key findings

- Low-carbon controlled environment agriculture is viable for leafy greens in land-locked countries with low grid emissions.
- High energy use crops can still be lower-carbon if land substitution and restoration benefits are considered.
- Optimizing energy use remains crucial even with prospective low-carbon energy scenarios.

## Abstract

Controlled Environment Agriculture has the potential to achieve food security and lower carbon emissions in agri-food systems. However, contextual factors such as what is produced and how it is produced determine the feasibility of meeting these goals. Here we show how the use of a Maximum Energy-use Threshold, shaped by these contextual factors, can define, identify and enable low-carbon operations. Results support the potential of low-carbon controlled environment agriculture over international import when growing leafy greens in land-locked countries with low grid emission factors or when substituting air freight of short shelf-life produce. Prospective low-carbon energy scenarios helps but optimising energy use remains critical. As controlled environment agriculture allows intensive farming with a reduced land footprint, controlled environment agriculture of high energy use crops as a lower-carbon alternative can be supported when the potential for agricultural land substitution and restoration for environmental services is considered, along with other contextual condition.

High energy use in controlled environment agriculture clouds its potential as a lower-carbon option for agri-food transformations. The authors find that using a Maximum Energy-use Threshold in specific contexts can provide a potential solution.