Klimatiltak i jordbruk og matsektoren. Kostnadsanayse av fire tiltak

Abstract

The research team has investigated social costs of four measures aiming to reduce climate gas emissions from Norwegian agriculture: 1. Produce biogas from manure, 2. Substitute plant based products and fish for cattle meat, 3. Reduce food waste, and 4. Cease peatland cultivation. Cuts in emissions may be achieved at low or negative social costs, provided proper implementation. Reducing cattle meat consumption may, in addition, have significant positive health effects, according to Norwegian Health Directorate’s valuations. Shifts in food consumption and reduced food waste, may also reduce consumers’ food expenses. Biogas production incur moderate average costs of approximately NOK 400 per ton CO2 equivalents. Indicated cost levels do not take into account the implementation costs and the analysis do not cover the distribution of costs and benefits among stakeholders. Ineffective implementation may incur extra costs. The study thus provides reason to expect that emission cuts in agriculture may be socially costless, but measures of implementation need be further investigated. This report is a revised version of report 3/2/2017. Some adjustments in calculations have been made, discussions expanded in response to comments received, and one measure, substituting pork for cattle meat, is dropped.