Adapting the Cool Farm Tool for Achieving Net-Zero Emissions in Agriculture in Atlantic Canada

Mackenzie Tapp, Mayuri Kate, Shuqiang Zhang, Kashfia Sailunaz and Suresh Neethirajan ()
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Mackenzie Tapp: Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Mayuri Kate: Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Shuqiang Zhang: Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Kashfia Sailunaz: Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Suresh Neethirajan: Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-37

Abstract: Agriculture is responsible for nearly one-quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with livestock and poultry systems contributing significantly through methane (CH 4 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Achieving net-zero agriculture demands tools that not only quantify emissions but also guide management decisions and foster behavioral change. The Cool Farm Tool (CFT)—a science-based calculator for farm-level carbon footprints, water use, and biodiversity—has been widely adopted across Europe and parts of the United States. Yet, despite its proven potential, no Canadian studies have tested or adapted CFT, leaving a major gap in the country’s progress toward climate-smart farming. This paper addresses that gap by presenting the first surveys of poultry and dairy producers in Atlantic Canada as a foundation for tailoring and localizing CFT. Our mixed-methods surveys examined farm practices, feed, manure, energy use, waste management, sustainability perceptions, and openness to digital tools. Results on 23 responses (20 for poultry, 3 for dairy) revealed limited awareness but moderate interest in emission tracking: dairy farmers, already accustomed to digital systems such as robotic milking and herd software, were receptive and confident about adopting CFT. Poultry farmers, by contrast, voiced greater concerns over cost, complexity, and uncertain benefits, signaling higher adoption barriers in this sector. These findings highlight both the opportunity and the challenge: while dairy farms appear ready for rapid uptake, poultry requires stronger incentives, clearer value demonstration, and sector-specific customization. We conclude that adapting CFT with regionally relevant data, AI-driven decision support, and supportive policy frameworks could make it a cornerstone for achieving net-zero agriculture in Atlantic Canada.

Keywords: cool farm tool; greenhouse gas emission; Atlantic Canada; sustainability; poultry; dairy; farm surveys; CFT adoption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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