Six steps to reducing CO₂ emissions in Uzbekistan’s fruit and vegetable trade

Uzbekistan’s foreign trade in fruit and vegetable products is accompanied by a significant and steady increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2017 and 2023, total CO₂ emissions from exports and imports more than tripled, while the average emission intensity of imports exceeds that of exports due to longer transport routes, the use of energy‑intensive modes of transportation, and the predominance of highly perishable goods, EastFruit reports. 

The most carbon‑intensive categories include fresh fruits, berries, tomatoes, bananas, mandarins, and frozen products that require refrigeration and, in some cases, air transport. In contrast, shipments of potatoes, onions, and dried products are characterized by relatively low emissions.

Also read: The Climate Math of the Cold Chain: Why Refrigeration Actually Reduces Emissions

A team of experts working on the joint FAO/EBRD initiative on climate and environmental sustainability of the agrifood sector (ACES) in Central Asian countries has proposed six key recommendations that could significantly reduce the environmental impact:

• Establish a system for regular monitoring and reporting of CO₂ emissions associated with the export and import of fruit and vegetable products in accordance with international standards. Such a system should ensure comparability of data across transport modes, product types, and routes, as well as the integration of results into the national climate reporting system.
• Optimize transport and logistics chains by increasing the share of rail and multimodal freight. This requires developing infrastructure for container and refrigerated rail transport, including logistics hubs located at the intersections of major transport corridors.
• Develop energy‑efficient and low‑carbon cold‑chain infrastructure, including the use of renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly refrigerants.
• Consider the carbon intensity of imported goods when shaping trade policy and public procurement systems, prioritizing products with low climate impact.
• Further develop local production—where economically viable—and promote seasonal consumption to reduce dependence on energy‑intensive imports and lower the carbon footprint of the food system.
• Integrate climate considerations into foreign trade strategies, including the development of measures to decarbonize transport flows and promote “green logistics” in the agricultural sector.

According to experts, the implementation of these measures will help reduce climate risks, strengthen the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s fruit and vegetable products, and support the country’s national goals for transitioning to a sustainable, low‑carbon economy.