Revealing the True Cost of Food: A Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainability in the Agri-Food Sector

Abstract

The spice industry, especially the production of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), plays an important role in Indonesia's agricultural economy. However, the complexity of the vanilla cultivation and post-harvest process has the potential to create significant ecological stress. This study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of vanilla production in Indonesia using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach based on ISO 14040/14044 standards and the ReCiPe 2016 method. The functional unit used is one kilogram of dry vanilla, ready for consumption, with a cradle-to-gate system limit. Data was collected from a combination of field surveys, farmer interviews, and Ecoinvent's secondary database. The results of the analysis show that the cultivation stage contributes the greatest to Global Warming Potential, eutrophication, and acidification, mainly due to the use of nitrogen fertilizers and conventional irrigation systems. The biomass combustion-based post-harvest drying process also contributes to SO₂ and NOₓ emissions. The variability between production areas (Papua, Bali, and East Java) indicates the importance of a local context-based approach in mitigation strategies. This study recommends the adoption of low-emission drying technologies, the use of organic fertilizers, and efficient irrigation as technical steps, as well as the need to integrate LCA in national agricultural policies. This study confirms the strategic role of LCA not only as an evaluative tool but also as the foundation of the sustainability policy of the spice sector in Indonesia.