Comparison of conventionally and organically grown pineapple in Sri Lanka: An integrative approach applying life cycle assessment and externalities

The pros and cons of the organic and conventional systems of pineapple cultivation have not been studied extensively. Non-consideration of full crop cycle and non-incorporation of environmental externalities are among the other gaps in research. The present study therefore compared Conventional Cultivation System (CCS) and Organic Cultivation System (OCS) of pineapple grown in Sri Lanka using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) under five impact categories considering system boundary from gate-to-gate and the full crop cycle. Economic analysis was conducted to determine the best system considering positive and negative externalities. Results showed 87% reduction of Global Warming Potential and 89% reduction of Eutrophication Potential under OCS. Higher toxicity potentials were reported under CCS while OCS resulted in zero toxicity. The net benefit for the farmer under OCS was higher. When the externalities were incorporated, the OCS showed a net gain of USD 8208 per ha while the CCS was no longer beneficial (USD -21,162 per ha). The study proposes economic instruments to incentivise farmers and emphasises the need to minimise adverse impacts of pesticides in sensitive locations. The study also highlights the potential of LCA studies when coupled with monetary values in guiding policy to incentivise farmers towards sustainable pineapple production.