A knowledge basis for operational tools

Agribalyse is a knowledge basis and a methodological reference for environmental assessment. This basis feeds operational sectoral tools.

The work of Agribalyse is intended to be used for analytical work, and to be taken up by various awareness-raising and / or decision-making tools.

Operational tools are not developed directly within the Agribalyse program. Indeed, it is up to the players closest to the field to grasp the data, and to provide tools adapted to their context of use and decision (analysis of products or sectors for eco-design, collective catering, environmental communication, etc.) .

Tools using Agribalyse already exist, and others are intended to develop.

The database already provides data to other french databases such as Base Carbone® and Base Impacts®.

The Agribalyse database also mobilizes other partner databases, for so-called "background" data and data relating to a certain number of products imported and consumed in France, in particular ecoinvent and World Food Data Base.

At the european level, Agribalyse data are used as references for french products in the PEF projet. The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) aims to provide commun rules and guidance for the evaluation of goods and services consumed in Europe. 8 guidances are now operational for the food sector (Beer, Dairy products, Animal feed, Oil olive oil, Bottled water, Pasta, Pet food, Wine).

Tools for LCA experts

Agribalyse Data are available within LCA softwares :

• SimaPro, leading software in LCA,

• openLCA, an open source software,

• Brightway, provided by SustainCERT for ADEME. Free LCA software that requires knowledge of the “Python” language. Users need an ecoinvent licence. For details on data use condition, check the website

• The Global LCA Data Access Network, developped by the UN Environmental Program.

Tools for consumers and companies

Agribalyse data may be included within :

• calculator tools developped to inform consumers about the environmental footprint of their feding practices (as OpenFoodFact, with already informs about the climate impact of food products),

• operational tools for producers (farmers or food companies) to help them to evaluate and improve : for example, MEANS-In Out, ecodesign software for farm products developped by INRAE and Cirad.