Fuel To Fork: What Will It Take To Get Fossil Fuels Out Of Our Food Systems?

Generated Summary

This report, “Fuel to Fork,” published by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), examines the significant role of fossil fuels throughout the global food system, from production to consumption, and proposes a series of transformative actions. The study employs a comprehensive approach, highlighting the various ways in which food system activities have become dependent on fossil fuels. It scrutinizes the limitations of incremental and high-tech solutions, such as ‘blue’ and ‘green’ ammonia fertilizers, digital agriculture, and synthetic biology. The report offers a snapshot of opportunities and challenges at various points in the supply chain, emphasizing the need for a just energy transition and holistic measures to achieve fossil fuel-free food systems.

Key Findings & Statistics

• 40% of all global petrochemicals are consumed by food systems, primarily in synthetic fertilizers and plastic packaging.
• One-third of all petrochemicals are used for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer production.
• 99% of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides are derived from fossil fuels.
• 15% of total fossil fuel use globally is attributed to food systems.
• The steel industry consumes 8% of global energy, while the paper and mining industries consume 6% and 1.7%, respectively.
• 7.1% of global GDP is spent annually on fossil fuel subsidies, totaling approximately $7 trillion.
• 90% of the $540 billion in annual agricultural subsidies harms both people and the planet by supporting chemical-intensive commodity crop production.
• At least 3.5% of global plastics are used in food production, and 10% in food and drink packaging.
• 40% of all global petrochemicals are consumed by food systems.
• The production of synthetic fertilizers is responsible for approximately 40% of total fertilizer GHG emissions, while around 60% of fertilizer emissions stem from its on-field application.
• Nitrous oxide emissions are responsible for 10% of net global warming since the industrial revolution.
• The planetary boundary for nitrogen was breached in 1970 due to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use.
• 42% of fossil fuel usage in food systems occurs in the middle of the food chain.
• Food and drink packaging accounts for at least 10% of all plastic production globally.
• 3.5% of global plastics are used in food production and 10.4% in food and drink packaging.
• Plastics account for approximately 14% of total oil demand.
• In 2023, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google for Al adoption and data center expansion was greater than that of the US oil and gas sector
• In Ireland, some 80 data centers already consume a fifth of that country’s electricity, expected to rise to a third within the next few years.
• Transportation accounts for 4.8% of food systems emission, or ~864Mt CO₂ eq.
• Road freight emits 81% of food system transportation emissions.
• Shipping accounts for nearly 60% of total food miles and yet is the most carbon-efficient mode per ton-mile, contributing only 3.6% of total transport emissions.
• Global greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by up to 40% by shifting from polluting fuels to cleaner alternatives such as liquefied petroleum gas and electric cooking if universal adoption is achieved by 2040.
• Governments have continued to accelerate fossil fuel expansion, planning to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than would be compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
• The Chilean government introduced policies in 2016 – including restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods, mandatory front-of-package warnings, and a ban on junk food in schools – led to a nearly 25% reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption within 18 months

Other Important Findings

• Fossil fuels are deeply embedded in the food chain, accounting for a significant portion of global use and accelerating in use within food systems.
• Fossil-based fertilizers and plastic food packaging are critical lifelines for oil and gas companies.
• Ultra-processed foods are seen as the ultimate expression of fossil-fueled food systems.
• Agribusiness corporations are pushing solutions that deepen dependency on fossil fuels and agrochemicals.
• Fossil fuel price spikes can lead to surges in fertilizer and food prices, impacting millions.
• The role of food transportation in the broader fossil fuel footprint of food systems is relatively small, and can be rapidly electrified.
• The report highlights the dangers of techno-fixes and promotes a shift toward just energy transitions and holistic approaches.
• ‘Green’ and ‘blue’ ammonia fertilizers are being proposed but face significant concerns regarding reducing fossil fuel dependence and broader environmental impacts.
• Genetic engineering and synthetic biology approaches carry risks to health, ecosystems, and social equity, questioning their viability.
• Digital farming platforms and precision agriculture, while promoted, may increase fuel use and are often inaccessible to resource-poor farmers.
• Key strategies include shifting to more efficient cold chains, cleaner cooking fuels, and electrified kitchens.
• The report emphasizes the need to phase out agrochemicals, rebuild local food supply chains, reduce plastic use, and promote healthy food environments.
• The analysis also highlights the need to eliminate food waste, scale up clean cooking, and democratize food systems.
• The study underscores that the transition to fossil fuel-free food systems requires a just energy transition, sustainable practices, and effective governance.
• The transition to electric trucks faces challenges in terms of weight, energy density, and charging infrastructure.
• The production of transition minerals for renewable energy poses environmental risks and human rights concerns.
• Municipalities are pioneering sustainable food systems by integrating policies across various sectors.
• Reducing postharvest losses and shifting to local, short supply chains can reduce food waste and improve sustainability.

Limitations Noted in the Document

• The study acknowledges the complexity and interconnectedness of the food system, which presents challenges in identifying simple solutions.
• The reliance on data from various sources might lead to some variations in the estimations.
• The rapid pace of technological developments, such as in digital agriculture and synthetic biology, means that some findings may be quickly outdated.
• The analysis primarily focuses on the environmental impacts and fossil fuel dependencies but acknowledges broader social and economic considerations.
• The report is primarily directed at government bodies and policy-makers, and may not fully address all aspects of individual consumer behavior.
• Specific statistical estimates may vary due to the complexity of the systems under analysis.

Conclusion

The report firmly establishes that the global food system is intricately linked to fossil fuel dependence, presenting a significant challenge and opportunity for change. The authors emphasize that while existing industrial practices, particularly in farming, processing, and transportation, are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, the transition to a sustainable food system is both necessary and achievable. The key is to move beyond incremental fixes and embrace comprehensive, transformative changes. The report underscores the limitations of technological solutions such as ‘blue’ and ‘green’ ammonia, digital agriculture, and synthetic biology, highlighting the potential for these approaches to perpetuate fossil fuel dependence and consolidate corporate power, instead of addressing the root causes of environmental and social harms. The core argument is that transitioning to fossil fuel-free food systems requires a multi-faceted approach. The primary recommendation is a just energy transition, which includes halting fossil fuel subsidies, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring equitable access to these resources. Equally crucial are shifts in agricultural practices, emphasizing agroecology to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals and rebuild soil health. Simultaneously, the report calls for rebuilding local food supply chains, reducing plastic production and waste, and fostering a focus on healthy diets, which cuts out ultra-processed foods. Moreover, the analysis stresses the importance of electrifying cooking and eliminating food waste, which contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions. Underlying these recommendations is a call to redistribute power and democratize food systems governance. It highlights the need to curb corporate influence over policy and ensure that decision-making is inclusive and participatory. The report also underscores that the shift towards sustainable food systems needs to be integrated into the broader energy transition, recognizing the interdependence of clean energy production, storage, and equitable access to renewable resources. The report highlights the challenges of a just energy transition, emphasizing that the costs and benefits must be distributed equitably across all regions and communities. The conclusion reiterates that a truly sustainable food system requires confronting the vested interests that sustain fossil fuel dependence, recognizing that transformative changes are essential, and are best achieved through democratic control and collective action. The report’s final takeaway is that the transition to a fossil fuel-free food system is inextricably linked to broader efforts for social justice, environmental protection, and democratic governance. The report concludes with the core message that transforming the food system is not simply about replacing one set of inputs with another, but about fundamentally shifting power, practices, and priorities to ensure a resilient and equitable future for all.