Literature Review Database on Indicators for Measuring Energy Dependence in the European Agricultural Sector

The AgEnRes project addresses the urgent challenge of reducing fossil fuel dependence and enhancing energy resilience in European agriculture. Its goal is to transform agricultural practices to reduce energy reliance and mitigate risks associated with price fluctuations.

To support this effort, a literature review was conducted to identify key policy indicators for measuring energy dependence in the European agricultural sector. The search for peer-reviewed studies was carried out using Web of Science, focusing on policy indicators applicable at the farm level. This search yielded 274 studies.

ASReview, an AI-based tool, was then used to comprehensively screen relevant indicators in research practice. After AI-assisted abstract screening, 65 studies were selected for further review.

These studies were evaluated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria focused on direct energy inputs such as diesel and electricity. Indirect energy inputs, including for fertilisers, were also considered. However, factors such as pesticides, imported feed, young animals, and fixed assets were excluded. Applying these criteria, 20 studies were removed during the review, leaving 45 studies for final analysis.

All relevant indicators from these studies were compiled into a matrix, with each row representing a unique indicator from a specific study. For each indicator, details such as the country and scale of application, the policies addressed, the dimension (environmental, social, economic, governance, or mixed) and the unit and method of measurement were documented.

Further details on the review process and its context can be found in project deliverable D1.3 here: https://agenres.eu/resources/publications.