A Review of Environmental Impacts of Cereal Grain Supply Chains

Abstract

The global reliance upon cereal grains, not only for domestic consumption, but also for export in international markets continues to be critical to many countries’ economies. The ecological impacts of the various steps along the supply chain required to get product to the consumer, whether it be fuel, feed, or food, have significant environmental impacts. Ecological assessments have focused historically upon carbon footprints, but by considering other measures of life cycle assessments (LCA), we can come to a better understanding of the environmental significance that some of the most critical crops in our world have. The goal of this study was to compile environmental impact data from published literature and conduct synthesis to determine ecological trends. Published data was compiled an