The Autorité de la concurrence has issued informal guidance on a draft guide providing a standardised methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of compound feed for livestock. The guidance emphasizes limiting exchanges of sensitive information between competitors, allowing companies to exceed the collective methodology, and the importance of scientifically-sound methodology and individual data.

Two professional organizations sought guidance on the methodology covering calculation steps, methodological choices, data usage, and third-party verification. The Autorité views the project as a potential standardization agreement and highlights the need to avoid disincentivizing companies from going beyond the standard methodology.

The General Rapporteur stressed the importance of scientifically-sound methodology and data to ensure compatibility with competition rules. Attention should be given to methodology design, calculation principles, scope of footprint sources, and data quality. Shifting towards qualitative data specific to each manufacturer and third-party verification are recommended to prevent misleading information and maintain product quality.