Pegada de carbono e custeio do ciclo de vida na produção de café orgânico

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable agricultural systems has driven the development of tools capable of simultaneously assessing the environmental and economic performance of productive activities. In this context, organic coffee farming stands out as a potential alternative for reducing environmental impacts, adding value to agricultural products, and promoting sustainability in rural areas. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of organic coffee production (Coffea arabica L.) in the municipality of Maria da Fé, Minas Gerais, Brazil, through the preparation of a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, carbon footprint quantification, and the application of the Life Cycle Costing (LCC) methodology. The research was conducted on a certified organic and specialty coffee farm covering 2 hectares during the period from 2020 to 2025. The emissions inventory was developed using the GHG Protocol Coffee Production Tool, specifically designed for Brazilian coffee-growing conditions, considering direct and indirect emissions as well as carbon removal processes associated with plant biomass and land-use change. The economic assessment was carried out using Life Cycle Costing, employing financial indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Discounted Payback Period. The results showed cumulative emissions of 19.92 t CO₂e over the evaluated period, corresponding to a gross carbon footprint of 1.92 kg CO₂e kg⁻¹ of coffee produced. However, when carbon removals resulting from biomass growth and the conversion of a former pasture area into a coffee plantation were considered, a cumulative net balance of -99.54 t CO₂e was observed, resulting in a net carbon footprint of -9.59 kg CO₂e kg⁻¹ of coffee. These findings demonstrate that the production system acted as a net carbon sink throughout the entire study period. From an economic perspective, the activity presented a Net Present Value of R$ 9,876.45, an Internal Rate of Return of 17.61% per year, and a Discounted Payback Period of 3.45 years, indicating financial viability despite the substantial initial investments required for plantation establishment and maintenance of organic certification. The integration of environmental and economic indicators demonstrated that organic coffee production can reconcile economic profitability with climate change mitigation, reinforcing its potential as a sustainable development strategy for Brazilian coffee farming. In addition to contributing to income generation and strengthening family farming, the results provide technical support for farmers, cooperatives, and policymakers involved in lowcarbon agriculture initiatives. The study expands current knowledge regarding the relationship between environmental sustainability and economic viability in coffee production, serving as a reference for future research and for the development of more resilient, competitive, and environmentally responsible production systems aligned with contemporary sustainability challenges.