Farmers working on climate-neutral agriculture

Farmers sequestering CO2? Yes, this is one of the measures taken by farmers in the network Farmandclimate to become climate-neutral. Applied Plant Research (PPO) is helping them, together with other units of Wageningen UR and the Louis Bolk Institute.

Global warming is a general concern. The emission of greenhouse gases is not only causing temperatures to rise but some areas are getting (much) dryer whereas others are getting wetter, with a rising sea level and risks of flooding. The greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) is not the only cause; the other greenhouse gases methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are contributing as well.

Counteracting global warming

Agriculture recognises the challenge of counteracting global warming. This may be achieved by saving on the use of fossil fuels and energy, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But farmers can also adapt their farm management to reduce emissions. And farmers have the possibility to produce renewable energy and to sequester CO2 on their own farm.

The participants in the farmers’ network Farmerandclimate are working on all those aspects at the same time. In doing so they are supported by scientists of the Wageningen UR units PPO, Livestock Research, and Plant Research International, as well as the Louis Bolk Institute. Together they are searching for cost-effective and practical solutions. The network consists of 16 conventional and organic arable, poultry and pig farms.


Considerable reduction of greenhouse gases

project Boerenklimaat

In three years time the farmers wish to reach the following on their own farm:

  • 20 per cent energy reduction
  • use 40 per cent ‘renewable’ energy; this means energy they produce themselves or purchase as sustainably produced energy.
  • Reduce the emission of methane and nitrous oxide by 50 per cent
  • Utilise the possibilities of CO2 sequestering

The participants in the farmers’ network are also acting as ambassador: They can be approached by other farmers who wish to learn from their experiences.

Farmerandclimate is cooperating with other projects in the domains of renewable energy, energy saving, and emission reduction of greenhouse gases.

More information: Projectsite: www.boerenklimaat.nl (dutch)