In 2023, DEFRA published a study that highlighted divergence, or inconsistency, between farm carbon calculators.
Eggbase participated in that study. Since publication of this report, we have continued to play our part in the constructive dialogue between other calculator services, DEFRA and their supporting agents.
A far greater degree of alignment, or at least understanding where alignment is not possible, has resulted. Differences still exist, and with good reason. Not all farm carbon calculator tools are the same, and you need to pick the right tool for the job.
Work to further improve harmonisation continues, however, and we continue to be involved. Improving user (farmer) trust and confidence in data ownership and in carbon calculations remains a priority.
But one aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of data quality.
At Eggbase, our team validate every piece of farm data before a calculation is performed and returned to the customer. Real people with real experience, not AI, contextualise each piece of information. Where a fragment of data appears to outlie the remainder, it is challenged, discussed directly with the farmer and resolved.
This attention to detail is a vital part of the process, without which the outcome would potentially be meaningless. A single, simple error in data entry will not only reduce the accuracy of the result, but undermine insights that can ultimately be turned into action.
We’re unashamedly specific, focusing our emissions reporting on poultry farm activity only. We’re uniquely detailed and thorough in our approach. Without the combination of our rigour for accuracy in activity data and the depth of our data capture, our results would not provide the same insight to support farmers, processors, packers, feed companies and retailers to make change.
Harmonisation is important, just as trust is important. But the details matter. Simple isn’t always best. The personal touch is invaluable and necessary. There is no one-size-fits-all.
