The preservation of the environment is a main challenge for the agricultural sector, including for broiler chicken farming, both in terms of reducing environmental impact and increasing the value of the services provided. The CAP’2ER^® environmental diagnostic assessment tool has been adapted by ITAVI for the poultry industry to assess its contributions: it means Automated Environmental Performances Calculation for Responsible Farming.

This two-level tool allows farmers to assess the environmental footprint of their farm and identify actions to improve their impact. Level 1 (simplified and free) targets the farmers and advisors, with the aim of raising awareness of their environmental performances through a rapid initial assessment. The level 1 process involves three simple steps: 1) Enter 30 zootechnical performances data, 2) Run the automated calculation, and 3) Discover the results, particularly the net carbon footprint, which is compared to a mean national reference. This one-hour online self-diagnosis assesses the environmental impact of one production unit (greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, fossil fuel consumption) and its positive contributions (maintaining biodiversity, carbon storage, nutritional performance). The level 2 (more complex and requesting payment), aims to facilitate the implementation of proactive measures identified during the assessment as strategies for reducing their environmental impact. It expands the criteria from level 1 and allows, with advisor assistance, to take and implement an action plan at the farm-level. In summary, CAP’2ER^® offers an accessible and cost-effective way for broiler farmers to assess and enhance their environmental performance.