Comparison of imported organic cucumbers from Spain and local conventional cucumbers in winter season on the basis of Carbon Footprint

Through the purchase of food, consumers can make a sustainable contribution to the environment. In Austria, when there is a demand for cucumbers out of the cucumber season, the question arises whether to choose an imported ecological cucumber from Spain or a conventional local product. This ‘decision problem’ is presented to consumers using a comparative Carbon Footprint assessment. The results of this study show similar emissions for imported Spanish and local Austrian cucumbers. The findings aim to raise consumer awareness of cucumber production in the winter time and help producers identify the highest emissions in selected processes as well as to show the impact of their own actions – and the other actors’ actions – on the production chain