Introduction to MIRC 2014 Research: Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

1. Introduction to MIRC 2014 Research:Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming Research being conducted by etc3 Ltd

2. Purpose of Research Benefits of Research Research Methods Online Questionnaire for Growers Grower Participation Data Confidentiality Energy Data – Background (MIRC Carbon Footprint Study 2011) Energy Data – 2014 Study Aims Water Use and Waste Data Timescale for Study Contents

3. Purpose of Research The Mint Industry Research Council has commissioned etc3 Ltd to conduct an “Energy and Resource Assessment Study” during 2014. The Study has two purposes: • To determine what energy efficiency improvements have been implemented on North American mint farms over the past 2-3 years – and how effective these have been • To record and evaluate data on water consumption and waste handling on mint farms MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

4. Benefits of Research • To help MIRC determine whether growers are targeting energy efficiency measures at those farm activities which drive up the carbon footprint of mint oil products • To allow MIRC to identify cultivation / processing practices proven to reduce mint oil’s overall environmental (water, waste, energy) footprint • To give potential for MIRC to create an environmental footprint database to answer queries from mint oil customers seeking to improve the sustainability of their products MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

5. The study method will involve a questionnaire survey for growers – can be completed online. The study will collect data from mint farms to identify where farming and process improvements have been adopted. Carbon footprints will be calculated and compared to show the effectiveness of different improvement methods. Waste and water use data will be collected from growers in different regions to compare how different practices affect environmental performance. The results will be interpreted and presented in a report aimed at encouraging the adoption and sponsorship of environmental best practices throughout the sector. Research Methods MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

6. Questionnaire allows growers to insert energy use, water and waste data for specific farming operations, as available from farm records We encourage you to complete the questionnaire online. You will be able to save your progress and return at a later time, if necessary. Online access to the questionnaire is available at: www.mircnews.org If you do not wish to participate online, contact the MIRC Administrative Office to receive a paper copy. Online Questionnaire MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

7. Grower Participation • Growers’ efforts to fully and accuratelycomplete questionnaires is vital – & greatly appreciated by MIRC • Help is available - growers’ queries about the questionnaire can be answered via the MIRC office, who will contact researchers and send answers to you • Our main aim is to compile a large, reliable dataset. If we have this, we can better construct viable energy- and money- saving recommendations for mint farming THANKS! MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

8. Data Confidentiality • All data questionnaires completed by growers will be anonymized • Completed questionnaires will be retained centrally by MIRC, and external analysts will not have access to farm identity data • Only State and growing region location details will be sent to analysts (so that geographical trends in data can be examined) • Data provided will be used only within the context of the MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study – it will not be disclosed to or shared with any third party during or after the period of study MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

9. ENERGY DATABackground - MIRC Carbon Footprint Study 2011 In 2011, MIRC funded a study which gathered data on energy use on North American mint farms during mint oil production. This study provided a figure for the carbon footprint (CF) of mint oil (to the farm gate). Key findings were: • Distillation is the most energy-intensive operation on farms, especially where fuel used is diesel • The fuel use for cultivation can vary greatly on individual farms • While electricity use is the smallest contributor to emissions, it can be a significant portion of the total carbon footprint when it is the fuel source for irrigation MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

10. ENERGY DATA - 2014 Study Aims The new study will compare before-and-after energy use data from mint farms which have changed practices / technology (e.g. cultivation / distillation methods) since 2011 with the specific aim of reducing energy consumption. Data will be analysed to identify: • differentials in farm-specific energy consumption which can be allocated to given energy efficiency measures adopted in mint cultivation • average scale of energy savings achieved by mint farms in the study • potential reductions in CO2 emissions which could be achieved in North American mint farming if particular efficiency measures where adopted by the industry. MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

11. Water Use and Waste Data The study will collect data on water use and waste generation on mint farms, to help identify: • The scale of adoption of water conservation advice on mint farms (e.g. incidence of soil moisture monitoring, variation in irrigation methods and irrigation efficiency) • The key waste management issues for mint farming (e.g. wastewater management, oil storage and disposal, management of agrochemicals, crop residue composting). The findings will be used to identify best practices for managing water / waste issues in the sector. MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming

12. Timescale for Study May 2014 – Questionnaire available on MIRC website May 2014 – Growers contacted to request participation June 2014 – deadline for completion and return of questionnaires by growers (reminders will be sent mid-June) July-September 2014 – Analysis of data and reporting MIRC Energy & Resource Assessment Study for Mint Farming