Towards climate-friendly agriculture

What determines climate-friendly behaviour of farmers? And how can this transition be accelerated? Environmental economist Albert Moerkerken concludes that farmers are prepared to take climate measures, if this is feasible within the quality of the business operations and profitability.

This is evident from a large-scale qualitative study among more than 2,000 farmers, spread over four periods. During the implementation of the Agro Covenant (2008-2020), farmers were confronted with objectives in the field of energy and climate. At the same time, the question arose as to what influences climate-friendly behaviour and how this transition can be accelerated. This study has provided more insight into this, by also conducting 19 in-depth interviews and additional data analysis of more than 6,000 dairy farms over a period of four years.

Different motives for climate measures

’’The willingness to reduce greenhouse gases is growing, but investments in sustainability are only considered if the business is profitable and other priorities, such as nitrogen measures, are guaranteed’’, Moerkerken explains. ’’Not every farmer tackles climate measures in the same way. The choice of specific actions depends on the way a farmer runs his business.’’ Innovative farmers take climate action more quickly, while farmers who focus primarily on cost savings are more likely to take energy-saving measures. Farmers with a strong climate awareness are more committed to reducing methane emissions.

Experimenting with methane reduction

It is striking that about a third of farmers experiment with methane reduction but later abandon these measures. The reasons are low profitability and practical disadvantages within the business operations. Energy saving, on the other hand, is widely accepted. Almost all farmers take measures to reduce their energy consumption, and the share investing in renewable energy rose to 45% in 2020.

Mechanisation increases energy consumption

However, energy efficiency in dairy farming is determined by two opposing forces. Moerkerken: ’’A larger production volume usually leads to more efficient energy consumption. At the same time, further mechanisation, such as the use of milking and feeding robots, causes an increase in energy consumption. Although solar panels are an effective measure to reduce the use of fossil fuels, mechanization appears to be a permanent challenge.’’

Methane emissions require realistic targets

Methane emissions are inextricably linked to the digestion of cows and cannot be eliminated completely. The study therefore recommends setting realistic long-term targets for methane reduction, without harmful side effects for the animals. In addition, a correct calculation of methane emissions is necessary. Currently, the warming factor of fossil methane is used, while the IPCC recommends using a separate factor for biogenic methane from cows.