Summary

An agricultural holding, which had been producing organic meat over 615 ha sought to increase its production of fodder to feed a larger herd and provide multiple environmental benefits.

In 2010, the producer installed 42 ha of biodiverse pastures using a mixture of seeds of several legumes with Rhizobium inoculation. In parallel the producer assumed a set of commitments regarding the establishment, composition, management and monitoring of the pasture. 

Results

42 ha of multiannual biodiverse pastures installed.

Increased available of quality organic fodder, enabling increases in herd size.

Improved farm sustainability by lowering production costs, and increasing the quality of production;

Improved nutrient retention in the soil from the mix of legumes and maximised carbon sequestration.

Enhanced biodiversity in the pasture habitat.