Economic and environmental performance of controlled-environment supply chains for leaf lettuce
Charles F. Nicholson, Michael Eaton, Miguel I. Gómez, Neil Mattson
Abstract
Abstract We assess landed costs and selected environmental metrics for field-based and controlled-environment agriculture greenhouse (GH) supply chains for leaf lettuce delivered to New York City. Landed costs for a GH are 46 to 174 per cent higher than field production, with the lower value for an automated GH located in the peri-urban area. Energy use and global warming potential per kg lettuce delivered were larger for the GH, particularly if located in a peri-urban area. Water use was much higher for the field-based supply chain. Controlled-environment GH technologies will require further development to meet goals for lower costs and environmental impact.
Topics & Concepts
GreenhouseSupply chainAgricultureBusinessProduction (economics)Agricultural economicsEnvironmental scienceEnvironmental impact assessmentGreenhouse gasAgricultural scienceNatural resource economicsEconomicsGeographyHorticultureBiologyEcologyArchaeologyMacroeconomicsMarketingGreenhouse Technology and Climate ControlUrban Agriculture and SustainabilityUrban Green Space and Health