Climate Farm Demo

Probiotics have a very wide range of uses. In agriculture, they are allowed for use in both conventional and organic production. They are used in crops and animal production.

Effects of using probiotics in crop production:

• accelerate the decomposition of post-harvest residues, straw, catch crops, manure, which leads to the formation of soil humus.
• A high level of soil humus means:
  • more earthworms, which means natural fertilizer production 
    and soil loosening
  • greater water storage capacity in the soil = plants cope better 
    during drought periods
• activate unavailable mineral components already present in the soil = more micro and macro elements without the use of fertilizers
• break down toxins, such as residues from plant protection products or diseases, so that crop diseases are not transmitted between successive growing seasons
• reduce the number of fertilizers used, thereby saving money and time
• probiotics improve the composting process.

Effects of using compositions of beneficial microorganisms in animal production:

• improve the digestion process
• alleviate the course of food poisoning
• reduce the incidence of diarrhea
• accelerate the healing of abrasions and wounds
• improve physical condition and physiological functions
• eliminate odors from animal products, such as manure and slurry
• reduce the population of insects, especially flies, midges and mosquitoes
• when using preparations inside livestock buildings, such as on walls, floors, ceilings, litter, etc., the possibility of spreading pathogenic pathogens is reduced
• improve the quality and nutritional value of silage. The ensiling process is more efficient and effective. Silage is richer in easily digestible nutrients, so animals fed with such prepared feed have better production results
• water revitalization.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

An EU-wide network of 1460 pilot demonstrations farms have been set up to accelerate the adoption of Climate Smart Farming (CSF) practices. The network covers 26 EU countries and 4 pedo-climatic areas in Nordic, oceanic, continental and mediterranean clusters. A diversity of agricultural sectors is represented, ranging from animal husbandry and mixed farming systems to specialised arable and horticulture crops, including organic farms. The aim of the Climate Farm Demo network is to:

• increase implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation measures on European farm
• organise 4,500 on-farm demo events reaching 150,000 farmers
• engage 250,000 actors in peer-to-peer learning activities 

The farmers will be supported in their endeavours by a Climate Farm Advisors. At the start of the project each Pilot Demo Farm was audited for its climate impact. Based on the audit results, the Climate Farm Advisors and farmers developed a climate adaptation and mitigation plan, which set the course for implementing climate smart farming practices during the project lifetime. Each year, the farm’s progress will be evaluated, and the plans will be updated. In a period of 6 years, each farm will organise 3 demonstration events to showcase their experiences with the implementation of climate smart farming practices with a broader audience of farmers and other stakeholders. 

The farms in the network can be consulted on a map on the project’s webpage: https://climatefarmdemo.eu/cfd/en/#/farms. Farms can be filtered on country, farm type, production system and the thematic areas they are taking measure in. The map is an interesting tool be used by any organisation or person interested in visiting farms engaged in the implementation of climate smart farming practices in their own country or abroad. In this way, the network aims to connect to wider audience outside the consortium. 

• Map of pilot demonstration farms engaged in the ClimateFarmDemo network

Lighthouse Farms as defined in the Global Network of Lighthouse Farms are “successful exemplars of disruptively innovative farming systems (…) that are proving to be economically, environmentally and socially sustainable and as such already rising to the multiple challenges of a shared future that is food secure, nutritious, sustainable and resilient (Valencia, 2022).” Lighthouse Farms aim to inspire all actors in the food system to imagine new visions for the future and are actively participating in research and innovation. Climate Lighthouse Farms are specifically focused on contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation. 

ClimateFarmDemo will develop a network of climate lighthouse farms. The project developed 3 pillars for defining a climate lighthouse farm: 

1. Climate Smart Farming (CSF) System. They are a front-runner in CSFsystems, and they are commercially viable through farming-relatedactivities.
2. Demonstration and Communication. They are willing and interested in sharing narratives, pictures, videos about their farming systems to all actors and they are open to hosting visitors on their farm.
3. Co-innovation and Research. They are willing to participate in research consortia and projects, publish anonymized data, support master / doctoral studies on their farm, and have knowledge in research co-development. 

To develop the network, candidate lighthouse farms will be selected by regional actors in 2025. They will participate in a training program to develop the necessary skills for being a climate lighthouse farm. After training, they can choose to join the climate lighthouse farm network.

Climate lighthouse farms will be connected to the Global Network of Lighthouse Farmers. Two lighthouse farms from this Global Network are a partner in Climate Farm Demo: 

• La Junquera in Spain (https://www.lighthousefarmnetwork.com/lighthouse-farms/la-junquera)
• Grand Farm in Austria (https://www.lighthousefarmnetwork.com/lighthouse-farms/grand-farm). 

• Website of the Global Lighthouse Farm Network.
• Website of Grand Farm
• Website of La Junquera

In Luxembourg, climate change is making itself felt in various ways, including the rise in temperature, the rapid alternation of extremely dry and wet periods and ever shorter winters, which result in a longer growing season. There are various strategies to meet these challenges. These relate to the following areas:

• Breeding new plant varieties. These should ensure better adaptation to the changed climate conditions.
• Diversification of crop rotation. This will make crop cultivation more resilient to climate fluctuations
• Arable farming. The choice of the right sowing date and increasing the humus content in the soil are particularly important here.
• Fodder production. In this area, the creation of fodder reserves and increasing biodiversity in grassland are crucial.
• Introduction of new plant species. Grain millet, soya beans, sunflowers and sorghum are particularly promising in this respect.
• Consideration of new pests and plant diseases. Defense against more aggressive types of pests and parasites has become essential due to climate change.
   

There is no generally applicable strategy for adapting to climate change in crop production. Only a combination of different existing techniques can successfully master the challenges posed by climate change. 

There is a need for research in the following areas:

• Provision of grass growth models for better adaptation of stock management to weather conditions
• Specification of the possibilities and limits of using autumn gras growth to derive maximum benefit from it.
• Breeding varieties with higher adaptation to climate change.
• Maximizing nutrient efficiency under unfavorable weather conditions.
• Provision of reliable meteorological information.
• Clarification of the influence of humus balance and biochar on the water balance.

• Luxembourgish Government strategy paper for adaptation to climate change
• AgriMeteo: 2022 war das wärmste Jahr seit Beginn der Wetteraufzeichnungen - An…

To address climate change challenges, SCEA de l’Ellé has implemented several adaptation measures. Using the ClimAléas-Diag tool, created in both Fermadapt and Climatveg programs, a vulnerability diagnosis showed 31% reduction in grass production in dry years. To secure livestock feed, the farm has made changes to its system, increasing temporary grassland areas and forage crops, diversifying its resources (silage maize, mixed cereals, beet), and optimising the management of fodder stocks. In the short term, a cattle underpass will significantly increase the grazing area from 24 to 40 hectares.

Despite notable challenges in adopting these practices—such as: 

1. Increased energy and economic costs due to higher mechanization expenses.
2. Investments in infrastructure, including cattle underpasses and additional fodder storage.
3. The necessity to test adaptation strategies tailored to the farm's 
   specific conditions. 

The anticipated benefits—enhanced resilience to climatic hazards, improved food self-sufficiency, and reduced reliance on external inputs—have motivated the farmer to proceed.

SCEA de l’Ellé in Brittany faces increasingly variable climatic conditions, impacting forage production and dairy herd management. To mitigate risks from dry summers and slow-growing springs, they conducted a diagnosis using the ClimAléas-Diag tool, revealing a potential forage deficit of 236 tonnes of dry matter—20% of annual needs. In response, they implemented several strategies: 

• Diversifying forage resources: Introducing mixed cereals, beets, and legumes like alfalfa.
• Enhancing feed autonomy: Expanding grazing and forage crop areas.
• Optimizing the herd: Reducing the replacement rate, grouping autumn calvings, and extending grazing periods for heifers.
• Managing stocks: Prioritizing silage and wrapped forage to ensure year-round feed availability. 

In the medium term, increasing legume cultivation and improving herd 
management will further secure the system against climate variability.

• Article « Sur la SCEA de l’Ellé, une réflexion sur l’adaptation au climat » (P…
• Godoc et al. 2024 – Conséquences énergétiques, économiques et environnementale…

The use of dietary supplements can significantly reduce methane emissions in cattle (see the CFD webinar for scientific references, included in additional dissemination material). There is a wide variety of supplements: tannins, essential oils, nitrates, and other chemical compounds. These additives act by modifying ruminal fermentation, limiting methane production while generally maintaining animal performance. Within the Climate Farm Demo project, the goal is to share current scientific knowledge, ongoing trials, and testimonies from the milk and meat sectors on practical implementation. Expected results show up to 20% reduction in emissions, with limited economic impact for farmers, often supported by other actors. These solutions offer an opportunity to improve the sustainability of European beef production.

Integrating feed additives into cattle diets is an innovative way to reduce methane emissions. Farm trials show that some additives, especially condensed tannins and seaweed extracts, can cut methane production by 10–20%. They improve digestion by altering ruminal fermentation without affecting performance.

These additives offer farmers a way to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining profitability. They are compatible with current systems and can be integrated without major feeding changes.

However, several challenges limit large-scale adoption. Availability and costs vary by region and supply chain. Effectiveness depends on feed rations and farm conditions, requiring tailored advice. While some additives are approved and sold in Europe, others need more research to confirm longterm safety and impact.

Support from research and policy will be key. Awareness campaigns, training, and real-farm demonstrations are essential to encourage adoption and share best practices. 

• Joint CFD-CSA webinar about methane emissions.

Agroforestry has emerged as a viable solution for enhancing sustainable land use while promoting environmental conservation and economic resilience.

By integrating trees and crops, farmers can optimize land productivity, improve soil health, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Agroforestry improves soil health and water retention by stabilizing the soil with tree roots, reducing erosion, and increasing water infiltration. Organic matter from leaf litter enriches the soil, enhancing fertility and crop yields. It also enhances biodiversity and pest control by providing habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and pollinators, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides due to natural pest control.

As a key element in defining the significance of this measure, and due to the farmer’s desire to reduce carbon emissions, a certificate of sustainability was awarded to the farmer (the farmer's company), issued by FEPRA (attached to this report).

With that said, the winners of this measure are the farmer, the environment, and the future itself. Agroforestry is a strong strategy for sustainable agriculture, as it perfectly balances productivity, innovation, and environmental conservation.

Using the Farm Carbon Calculator and simulating the estimated CO₂ release after implementing this measure, the result was halved!

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

The Climate Farm Demo Top Tips for advisors supporting farmers in the uptake of climate mitigation and adaptation measures are listed below:

1. Get to know the farmers you are trying to influence. A range of factors, such as age, access to finance and attitude towards risk, impact the willingness of farmers to change their farming practices. Don’t forget the personal touch – make the connection with the farmer, and their family. And most importantly, listen to the farmer's arguments, fears and wishes.
2. Highlight the positives including good practices and the progress made by the farmer, without being afraid of calling out the areas for improvement.
3. Keep it simple. Farmers need to know that the recommended solutions are backed up by science, that the new approaches work to reduce GHG emissions…but don’t necessarily need to know all the scientific details.
4. Frame your messages carefully, highlighting the benefits to the farmer (profitability, productivity, work-life balance) of adopting climate mitigation or adaptation measures. Farmers tend to implement climate-beneficial measures due to other farm-related benefits.
5. Always prepare before meeting with the farmer. Use available benchmarking tools/ GHG assessment tools to understand the farm’s current GHG emissions profile. Review other available farm performance data also.
6. Provide ongoing support through (short) visits, phone consultations, membership of a WhatsApp group, emails, invitations to events etc.
7. Facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning. Farmer groups help farmers to identify solutions and solve problems, while allowing farmers to support one another. Consider forming a group of “like minded” farmers to discuss more sustainable farming practices or include the topic in existing group discussions.
8. Prepare for a long-time horizon: it may be a number of years before there are measurable environmental and economic outcomes. Also, tackle the adoption of one or two mitigation practices at a time…avoid ide identifying a list of a

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

Agroforestry systems combine agriculture with woody plants and offer farmers both ecological and economic benefits. They contribute to climate adaptation by cushioning weather extremes such as drought and heavy rainfall, binding CO₂ and improving soil quality through erosion protection, humus formation and better water retention capacity. 

Agroforestry systems have been officially eligible for funding in Germany since 2023. Farmers receive €200 per hectare of woodland via the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In addition, federal states such as Bavaria, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony and Saxony offer investment subsidies. External programs such as SilvoCultura also support the planting of fruit and timber trees with up to €50 per tree (for at least 70 trees).

In addition to the financial incentives, agroforestry systems are also economically attractive. They generate additional income through the production of nuts, fruit, energy or timber and can add value to agricultural products through sustainable cultivation methods and storytelling potential.

Targeted care is crucial for successful establishment. Especially in the first few years after planting, measures such as weed control by hoeing or mulching are important to minimise competition from weeds. Slowgrowing woody plants require up to three years of intensive care before they grow stably and offer long-term benefits. 

• Webinar CFD Agroforestry - Agroforstsysteme im Ackerbau und auf der Weide
• Werragut
• ReSoLa e.V.
• SilvoCultura

AgroImpact is a young association created in December 2023 to accelerate the climate transition of agriculture. It proposes an approach aimed at supporting farmers in the adoption of resilient practices to climate change.

Farmers participate in the AgroImpact program on a voluntary basis. Depending on the canton, they receive additional financial support for the assessment of a carbon footprint and the adoption of adaptation and mitigation measures. The AgroImpact approach allows synergies with other ongoing regional projects. The farmer also receives a climate premium paid by the buyer. It should be noted that the AgroImpact approach does not generate any sales of carbon certificates.

The association is unique in that it has a shared governance structure involving representatives of agricultural organizations (producers, chambers of agriculture, advisory), research organizations, NGOs and buyers 
(industrialists, cooperatives and distributors) of raw materials. A wide range of collaborations in AgroImpact are being established and coordinated between the public and private sectors.

Farmers commit to the AgroImpact program for 6 years:

• An advisor carries out a full carbon assessment of the farm.
• A specific action plan is adopted to reduce the climate footprint.
• The ClimaCert certification process is implemented, which 
  includes:
  • Measuring the farm's carbon footprint.
  • Identification of specific measures for improvement.
  • Obtaining the ClimaCert certificate (the results of the farm's climate footprint and its carbon storage are certified).
  • Registration in a public register.
• At the end of the process, the certified farmer can receive annual climate premiums to produce low carbon raw materials. The premiums are granted by buyers/industrialists who are members of the association.

• AgroImpact website page
• AgroImpact : une association pour accompagner la transition climatique de l’agr…

For typical cereal and oilseed rape crops 40-50% of greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions are associated with nitrogen (N) fertiliser, 15% with the application of organic materials, 13-20% with field operations (such as cultivations), and 12-24% with the decomposition of crop residues. 

Nitrogen fertiliser

N fertilizer is the greatest source of GHG emissions for most arable crops. 
Therefore, approaches that maximise the efficiency of N use and support high crop productivity must be prioritized. These include:

• Create a N management plan
• Cover crops to reduce the risk of nitrate leaching
• Estimate/measure the soil N supply to help estimate how much N fertilizer to apply
• Use N fertilizer products produced with low GHG emissions associated with manufacture
• Use fertilizer efficiency additives including urease/nitrification inhibitors

Cultivations

Cultivations represent between ~5% and ~50% of total GHG emissions per ha. A cultivation system involving plough, power harrow, drill, roll produces>200 kg CO2/ha on a loam soil. By contrast, direct drilling produces <50 kg CO2/ha. Soil type has a large effect on GHG emissions, e.g. ploughing clay soil requires 70% more energy than loamy soil. 

Adopting low intensity cultivations, e.g. direct drilling, may not be appropriate for all soil types and farming systems. Farmers should introduce new cultivation systems gradually and test they are appropriate for their farm.

Actions

• Prioritise efficient use of N fertilizer
• Adopt low intensity cultivations but take care to ensure they are appropriate for your farm 

• Visit the website for the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) to learn more about …

During the Beef Days 2024, Elevéo, Inovéo, and Digital Wallonia delved into optimizing cattle farm management for a sustainable future. Nearly 260 livestock enthusiasts participated in the event.

The farm visit focused on presenting the services offered to beef farmers and showcasing the Van Eyck family farm. This farm raises about 500 cattle and cultivates potatoes, cereals, maize, beets, and vegetables (beans, spinach, and broad beans). Additionally, it has an innovative irrigation network. A significant portion of the forage is produced on-site: grass, beet pulp, cereals, etc.

The meat is mainly marketed through short supply chains via a farmer cooperative. The owners themselves select which animals are destined for each point of sale, and both bulls and cows are fattened on the farm.

To advance their farming practices, the owners use software and applications that facilitate decision-making.

During the Beef Days, six workshops were organized, related to practices or methods applied on this farm:

• Workshop on Technical-Economic Performance and Accounting: Various indicators allow farmers to closely monitor cattle performance and make the best decisions.
• Growth Monitoring Workshop: With farm scales or Elevéo’s weighing service, it is possible to closely monitor cattle weights during their growth.
• Cattle Monitoring Tools Workshop: These tools save time and increase efficiency in optimizing cow health and reproductive cycles.
• Forage Measurement Tools Workshop: Numerous tools exist to estimate forage quantity.
• Genetics & Genomics Workshop: Genomics revolutionizes animal selection by better anticipating genetic criteria.
• Mating Advice Workshop: A tool available on My Awé Net provides personalized mating advice for each herd, including inbreeding calculations.

These services aim to help farmers improve both the profitability and sustainability of their operations.

• Document about Beef Days with more details about the farm (PDF) and the worksh…

The improvement of farms’ environmental sustainability is both a priority and a challenge for farmers. They must develop ways to become more productive and sustainable while adapting to climate change and contributing to its mitigation. To succeed in this objective, it is relevant to develop a “Plan”. A plan is a set of actions designed to achieve something, an idea or method of doing something.

Planning applies to various areas, including farms. Writing a plan provides a clear vision of the goals, actions, resources (economic, human), and time needed to reach those objectives. Planning also helps identify weaknesses and obstacles that might occur during implementation and find possible solutions in advance to increase the chances of success.
The adaptation and mitigation plan (AMP) is a tool that helps farmers minimise the impacts of climate change on farms while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There are no strict rules regarding the format of an AMP, but to be effective, it should include: a description of the current situation, the objectives, necessary actions, and the timeline.
A carbon audit measures the farm's efficiency in terms of emissions and removals (carbon stored through sequestration). It requires an analysis of the entire production system and provides a baseline for emissions and sequestration. While the AMP can be created without the audit, the audit offers in-depth insights for better management of production inputs like energy, water, fertilisers, feed, and labour. 

Carrying out the audit enables farmers and advisors to assess the actual success of the plan by comparing net emissions before and after implementation. During implementation, monitoring ensures that adaptation and mitigation measures (AMMs) are carried out as planned. 

It helps farmers identify challenges, make adjustments, and improve strategies to meet AMP objectives. In Climate Farm Demo, a common AMP template was developed for use on 1,500 farms across Europe.

• Manual for application of AMPs on farms: from audits to AMP implementation
• 1500 Adaptation and Mitigation Plans - AMPs

The phenomena that characterise climate change include rising temperatures, extreme events such as prolonged periods of drought followed by intense rainfall events, and a decrease in rainfall resulting in a decrease in agricultural production. The Mediterranean area is considered a climate change hotspot, i.e. where the phenomena listed above occur most frequently and most intensively. Carbon farming is considered a tool for facing and mitigating climate change because it aims to preserve soil fertility by maintaining or increasing organic matter. Maintaining soil fertility is essential to continue producing forage in terms of both quantity and quality.

Good practices that can be adopted include the following:

• Reduce tillage:
  • Avoiding ploughing - high costs, limits soil bearing capacity and lengthens working time
  • Minimum tillage and/or no-tillage techniques
• Biodiversity and crop rotation
  • Crops and genotypes adapted to new climatic conditions (e.g. from Southern Italy)
  • Crop associations (e.g. alfalfa and foxtail millet; wheat and forage peas; etc.)
  • Cover crop
  • Permanent meadows
• Rational manure management
  • Maturation of manure and slurry
  • Spreading according to crop needs 

• Final conference of regional project CO-Nservare, financed by EmiliaRomagna re…

Cover crops play a vital role in carbon sequestration by utilising the period between main crops. They contribute to stable carbon storage, particularly through roots, which have a higher sequestration potential than aboveground biomass. Grass species generally have a greater root proportion compared to brassicas, and soil properties influence sequestration efficiency. Microorganisms stabilise carbon after decomposition, and farming techniques as well as climate change can affect both sequestration and decomposition rates.

Cover crops reduce nitrogen leaching, especially in light soils, and can lower leaching by up to 43%. For optimal efficiency, nitrogen must be released at the right time for the subsequent crop. Grasses can deplete soil nitrogen in spring, whereas legumes can contribute nitrogen. A mixture of grasses and clover balances nitrogen uptake and residual effects. The timing of incorporation affects both nitrogen availability and leaching risks, particularly in sandy soils.

The impact on nitrous oxide emissions varies depending on management and crop selection. The decomposition of cover crops in wet soils can lead to high emissions, especially from brassicas such as radish and mustard. 
Removing biomass in autumn for biogas production or fodder can reduce emissions. Overwintering cover crops can also lower nitrous oxide emissions by retaining nitrogen.

Cover crops also compete with weeds and can reduce weed occurrence by up to 90%. Plants such as oil radish and phacelia are particularly effective. Combining cover crops with mechanical tillage can help manage perennial weeds, and strategies such as inter-row hoeing between cover crops can control weeds without increasing nitrogen leaching.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Peatlands account for a significant 80% of the carbon dioxide emissions of the entire Finnish agricultural area, which is why Finland has been seeking carbon dioxide emission reduction solutions for farms for decades.

Peatlands cover about 4–7% of Finland's arable land, depending on themeasurement method. They are defined as thick peats if the peat cover exceeds 40 cm. Most peatlands are located from the central to northern part of Finland, in areas dominated by livestock farming.

Peatlands are better able to bind water than mineral soils, so yield is higher during the dry growing season than on mineral soils.

Various solutions have been sought for climate-smart cultivation of peat fields to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. There are several different emission reduction solutions depending on how many peat fields there are on the farmer's farm. The simplest way is to map the yield capacity of peat fields, i.e. to focus on high-yielding parcels and leave low-yielding, small-scale parcels with challenging shapes covered with vegetation or possibly even restore these fields. The farmer himself is the best expert in determining the yield capacity of his own peat fields

In peat fields cultivated in Finland, climate-smart cultivation solutions to slow down the decomposition of peat include the following measures:

• Maintaining and regulating the water level in fields and regulating 
  drainage
• Cultivation of perennial crops
• Winter plant cover
• Direct seeding or lightened tillage
• Use and cultivation of crops for bioenergy, such as energy willow
• Avoid plowing or deep tillage
• Keeping low yielding small parcels of arable land as grassland or converse them into wetlands

Most of Finland's peat fields are in livestock farming areas, so plant cover is thus automatically allocated to a large part of peat fields. Farmers and researchers have tried and continue to experiment with new practical farming methods to slow down the degradation of peatlands.

• Peatland farming guide in Finnish

The French Living Lab (LL) is working on adapting to climate change in the dairy sector in the north of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. At the end of 
2024, the participants wanted to focus the LL's activities on a case study. We therefore initiated a step-by-step design approach. The principle is to carry out a diagnosis of one of the farms taking part in the LL, and then to propose measures for improvement. The farmer then chooses to implement one or more changes in his practices. A few months later, the group meets again for a progress review and a collective analysis of the results. The group then suggests new measures for improvement. 

One of the farmers in the group agreed to take part. The workshop took place over one day. The morning session began with a presentation by the farmer of his farm, followed by work in three sub-groups, who were asked to complete an ‘astonishment report’ on the situation presented, and then to list possible adaptations. Following these proposals, the farmer identified several relevant levers to be explored, but for which he was encountering technical obstacles: reducing turnover, reducing the age at first calving, and integrating a greater diversity of forages. We therefore chose to focus the afternoon farm visit on these themes. 

At the end of the day, we debriefed all the observations. The group's comments led the farmer to refine his strategy, but the need for technical support and reassurance to be able to implement new practices became apparent. LL's technical partners undertook to work with him on these points between now and the next meeting.

At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed great satisfaction with the way the workshop had gone and were keen to meet up again for ‘the next episode’ to continue to support this process over the long term. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/living-lab-practices/?e-filter-d1…

The University Farm of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra uses Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) technology on about 20 hectares, based on a system for controlling the movement of agricultural machinery in the field. 
Its aim is to concentrate and minimise the compacted area resulting from machinery movement and to eliminate technogenic soil compaction, thereby promoting soil infiltration, increasing soil retention capacity, and reducing the risk of water erosion. The created system of conveyor/transport tracks is then maintained throughout the year.

The application of the above technologies results in an average yield increases of 3–10% for the crops grown, especially in the case of cereals, maize, and legumes. This effect is particularly pronounced in drier years. The correct design and organisation of machinery movement optimise individual work operations, reduce fuel costs, and increase the efficiency of machinery use. An additional benefit is the increased technological precision of parallel machinery passes and clear identification of chemically treated versus untreated areas. In addition to the ecological benefits, it is also possible to reduce the consumption of production inputs such as seeds and fertilisers, which can be lowered by up to 10% when optimally applied.

Increased comfort during machine operation reduces operator fatigue and stress, allowing work even in conditions of reduced visibility.

For implementation, the acquisition of a navigation system (optimally with RTK- real time kinematic accuracy) and its installation on the tractor and self-propelled machines is essential. The machines are then optimised in terms of their range. The use of telematics software is to be defined and the navigation lines on the respective plots are optimised. The individual machines are gradually adapted to the established navigation lines and their operators are trained. It is also necessary to provide a GNSS correction signal. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

On farms, reducing nitrogen losses in livestock not only helps to preserve the environment, but also improves the farm's bottom line.

Ruminant livestock are not very efficient at using the nitrogen they take up in feed. If rations are very precisely calculated, 30 to 35 percent of the nitrogen in feed proteins and non-protein compounds becomes a component of milk. The rest of the nitrogen is excreted from the body mainly in urine and faeces. About 60 to 80 per cent of urinary nitrogen is in the form of urea.

Urea concentration in urine is an important indicator of ammonia emissions in dairy farming. It is possible to adjust both the urine output, the urinary urea concentration and the total manure output with the feed ration. It must be clearly understood that urine and faeces separately emit very minimal quantities of ammonia, but only after they reach the floor surfaces in the housing and these two fractions of excreta physically mix, ammonia is released. 

There are additional factors that influence the evaporation of ammonia in cow housing. These include temperature, air velocity, pH, size of floor surfaces, moisture content of manure and storage time. For example, high pH and temperature contribute to increased ammonia emissions. Dairy cow manure typically has a pH between 7.0 and 8.5, which allows ammonia to be released into the atmosphere quite quickly.

The deposition of atmospheric ammonia and chemical compounds resulting from atmospheric chemical reactions with ammonia (i.e.ammonium aerosol) is thought to contribute to water and soil acidification and eutrophication. 

Thus, one solution is to balance feed rations as closely as possible to the amino acid needs of the cow: the amount of crude protein in the diets of high-yielding cows can be safely reduced, allowing farms to maintain high milk yields (above 35 kg per cow per day) while improving nitrogen use efficiency

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Farmers need rewarding mechanisms in the pursuit of the green transition in agriculture. These rewarding mechanisms can be sourced from public or private entities, and can take the form of regulatory responsibilities, voluntary public money, R&D, voluntary carbon markets, and price premiums/labelling.
 

On EU agricultural land, there are various climate action systems, including emission reduction, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation. There are two types of rewarding sources: public and private. 

Public rewarding refers to financing from the international community, EU, State, or regional level, while private rewarding includes funding from companies, private groups, and consumers through carbon markets or price premiums.

There are several ways to reward land users and farmers for their environmental activity, with two main types: result-based and action-based results. Action-based rewarding provides farmers with compensation or incentives for carrying out specific agricultural methods, while result-based rewarding is linked to a confirmed outcome. The timing of rewarding can be either ex-ante, a financial prelude to climate action, or ex-post, following the farmer's climate action. Combinations of timing are also possible.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/rewarding-mechanisms/?e-filter-d1…

Denmark is in the process of implementing the first climate tax in the world targeting agricultural emissions. The policy, scheduled to take effect in 2030, is a key element of Denmark’s climate strategy and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Some key aspects are:

• Implementation timeline: The tax will be introduced in 2030, with an initial rate of 300 Danish kroner (~EUR40) per ton of CO₂ equivalent emissions. This rate is set to increase to 750 kroner (~EUR 100) per ton by 2035.
• Scope of the tax: The tax applies to emissions from livestock in relation to housing system, breed, number and hence emissions from animal digestion and manure spreading. Farmers involved in climatefriendly practices will receive a deduction of 60% of the tax, effectively reducing the initial rate to 120 kroner (~EUR 60) per ton in 2030 and increasing to 300 kroner per ton in 2035. The revenue will be allocated to a fund that supports the green transition of the agricultural sector. 
  Disturbance of carbon-rich soils will be handled separately, with a tax per ton CO₂e being imposed if the individual farm is not included in relevant set-aside projects.
• Complementary environmental initiatives: Denmark plans to restore 140,000 ha of drained peatlands currently used for agriculture and establish 250,000 ha of new forest by 2045. These efforts aim to enhance biodiversity and sequester carbon, contributing to the country's environmental goals. In this context the previous political agreements for doubling the organic agricultural land play an important role, as organic production in its visions and principles is a solution for more sustainable and climate-friendly farming systems. 

• Den grønne trepart

The Climate Farm Demo project aims to create a unique pan-European network of Pilot Demo Farmers. Its overall objective is to accelerate the adoption of Climate Smart Farming practices and solutions by farmers. To support farmers in this transition, they first need insight into current GHG emissions and carbon removals on their farms to create action plans for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Over the last decade, a range of farm-level GHG assessment tools have been developed for different farming systems. The main objective of these tools is to help farmers and advisors determine their baseline GHG emissions and assist in developing action plans. The selected tools should be of sufficient quality and comply with a certain scientific standard.

To evaluate the tools, we used a stepwise approach: 1) define evaluation criteria, 2) collect tool information, 3) perform assessment, and 4) provide information sheets on the selected tools.

The following information was collected to evaluate the tools:

General information

• Covered production systems
• Available languages
• Scope of the tool
• Cost of the tool

Features for development of an action plan

• Description of farms
• Type of GHG emissions and carbon storage included
• Benchmark possibility
• Other environmental impacts
• List of mitigation options
• Economic impact results
• Action plan simulation possibility

Support for advisors

• Training possibilities (cost, format, support)
• Documentation (user guide, methodology)
• Data handling

Sensitivity to mitigation practices

• Enteric fermentation
• Manure management
• Nitrogen management in the field
• Energy consumption
• Fertilizer emission factors (related to production emissions)
• Feed emission factors
• Carbon storage

Based on the assessment, the project selected 18 tools that can be used by farmers and advisors in the project, which cover the major agricultural production systems. These tools are compiled on the project website: 
https://climatefarmdemo.eu/cfd/en/#/resources

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/mrv-tools/?e-filter-d1c5a74-regio…

As agriculture faces increasing challenges from climate change, the need for data-driven decision-making has become more crucial than ever. 
Carbon tool inventories and databases play a key role in enabling ClimateSmart Farming (CSF) by providing structured, accessible, and scientifically validated information on carbon footprints, GHG emissions, and mitigation strategies. These tools support farmers, researchers, policymakers, and agribusinesses in implementing sustainable practices, optimizing resource use, and reducing agriculture’s environmental impact.

Carbon tool databases are key to standardize and centralize information. 
These platforms compile data on carbon emissions across farming systems, soil types, crop varieties, and livestock management. They help assess agricultural carbon footprints, compare mitigation strategies, and support data-backed decisions suited to local conditions.

These inventories also aid farm-level decisions through real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and scenario analysis. Farmers can evaluate the impact of practices on carbon sequestration and GHG reduction. Such tools enhance spatial accuracy and enable tracking of emissions in real time.

On a broader scale, carbon tools support policy development and market incentives. Governments use them—mainly at regional levels—to track climate goals, design carbon credit systems, and enforce sustainability standards. Agribusinesses use carbon data for labeling, sustainable sourcing, and transparency.

Ultimately, carbon inventories are key enablers of CSF, fostering accountability, innovation, and sustainability. These tools empower agriculture to shift toward low-emission, climate-resilient food systems, delivering both environmental and economic benefits. CFD has undertaken to compile such a list of existing tools in Europe. This database is available on the CFD website and will be available during 2025 on the ‘Farming for Climate’ platform.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) represents a new opportunity for dairy farms to address market challenges by improving the efficiency of company production, enhancing both animal welfare, thanks to the ability to monitor and manage the individual and not just the group, and the sustainability of production. PLF is the use of technologies to measure physiological, behavioral, productive and reproductive indicators on individual animals, with the aim of improving management strategies and the performance of the subjects raised. The application of these technologies allows the collection and management of a large amount of information, which, if managed optimally, can be of great help in managing and controlling the herd in an effective and profitable way. 

With PLF, various parameters can be monitored to evaluate the state of health, animal welfare, productive and reproductive performance of the farm, which are closely related to the environmental impact. It has been shown that the reduction of mastitis resulting from the timely recognition of the pathology can lead to a 2.5% decrease in global warming potential as well as a reduction in the use of antibiotics. (See Tullo et. Al, 2019) Good management of the reproductive status of animals can contribute to reducing environmental impact. In fact, by maintaining fertility at the highest level, it is believed possible to reduce the farm's GHG emissions by more than 20%. (See Tullo et. Al, 2019) The PLF, if used well, allows the breeder to make some decisions more promptly, thus improving the productivity and profitability of his farm. To make the most of the information obtained with these technologies and interpret them correctly, it is essential that they are integrated with computerized information systems capable of managing and processing the enormous "amount" of data produced and that there are qualified personnel in the stable who knows how to interpret them.

• Tullo, E., Finzi, A., & Guarino, M. (2019). Environmental impact of livestock …

A special plant farm in Western Finland faces a climate challenge in 
maintaining soil health in changing and extreme weather conditions. For 
two decades, Rouhiainen Farm has practiced direct seeding with several 
crops – including sugar beet cultivation. Efforts have also been made to 
increase soil organic matter by using available organic fertilizers, such as 
livestock manure and recycled fertilizers. Recently, various intermediate and 
understory crops, such as catch and renovation crops, have been introduced 
on the farm, improving soil structure and biological activity.
The farmer has observed the benefits of direct seeding for soil structure and 
water management. It reduces organic matter decomposition, enhancing 
the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological condition. A key indicator is the 
increased number of earthworms in the farmer's fields, which have not been 
disturbed by tilling.
The demo event at the farm showcased the effects of direct seeding and 
renovation crops on soil fertility and carbon sequestration. Participants 
observed a no-till demonstration in the farm's tilling radish vegetation and 
studied soil fertility and biological activity by digging holes and counting 
earthworms. Each shovel puncture revealed more than 10 earthworms, with 
a record of over 20.
At the Rouhiainen farm, deep- and strong-rooted renovation plants have 
been able to manage and prevent compaction of arable land and add 
organic matter to the soil, which improves soil structure, water 
management, biological activity and nutrient economy. In addition, 
catching crops can have effects on controlling plant diseases and pests. 
Especially for sugar beet, renovation crops are a good solution for 
maintaining the structure of the field and increasing the amount of organic 
matter. In the future, the farm plans to experiment with researchers with 
other spin-off crops and methods in sugar beet cultivation.

• CFD Rouhiainen Pilot Demo Farm on the map
• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/pilot-demo-farm/?e-filter-d1c5a74…

Due to recent climate change and episodes of high temperatures linked to a lack of rain, the practice of fodder irrigation has gradually become more widespread in France. In 2010, meadows and fodder represented 4% of the irrigated area in France and 6% in 2020. To best support farmers and quantify the added value of irrigation on fodder, Arvalis has set up water response trials on several fodder crops, including alfalfa. Three trials were set up (La Jaillière – department 44, Le Magneraud – department 17, Pusignan – department 69) over 3 years (2022-2023-2024) with 3 irrigation levels as well as dry management. 

Part of the trial was irrigated to cover the theoretical needs of the crop;another part was deliberately stressed by covering only half of the theoretical irrigation needs. The third approach consisted of putting in more water than the theoretical irrigation need to properly manage the crop's needs. 

The irrigation water use efficiency measured in these trials vary between 17 kg of dry matter/ha/mm and 30 kg of dry matter/ha/mm with a median around 20-22 kg DM/ha/mm. This means that for 30 mm irrigation, the farmer can expect a forage gain of around 650 kg/ha. These references can allow the farmer to better reason his water distribution on his irrigable land and see if it is interesting for him to prioritize his irrigation on alfalfa to feed his animals.

• Besoin en eau des fourragères et réponse à l’irrigation

Announcing and promoting your farm demonstration events is key to ensuring strong participation, meaningful exchange, and lasting impact. 
Whether you are a farmer or advisor, good communication helps bring the right people to your event, builds interest, and ensures your experiences reach others who can benefit from them. Sharing your event before and after also supports the wider goals of the Climate Farm Demo project by spreading knowledge on climate-smart farming practices.

Announcing your demo event

A clear and timely announcement helps participants plan and signals that their presence is valued. Tailor your message and use tools that match your audience:

• Direct messages (email, SMS, phone calls) to specific farmers or advisors.
• Local channels farmers trust—WhatsApp groups, bulletin boards, newsletters, Facebook groups.
• Networks and institutions (advisors, farming groups, local authorities).

Include the date, time, location, topic, and key benefits of attending. 
Explain what will be demonstrated or learned in a practical way.

Promoting your demo

Promotion builds curiosity and widens your audience:

• Share posts via social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Tag partners and Climate Farm Demo to extend reach.
• Use engaging visuals-photos of your farm or previous events.
• Highlight the benefit: e.g. “See how cover crops reduce fertiliser needs.”

After the event

Follow up with a thank-you message and a summary post:

• Share main outcomes and good photos.
• Mention who attended and what was learned.
• Tag key participants or supporters.

Benefits of good communication:

• Stronger turnout and engagement
• Wider knowledge sharing
• More impact from your effort
• Better visibility for your farm or organisation

By planning your event communication before and after, you help ensure it makes a difference for both your local community and farmers across Europe. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

In many aspects, Austrian agriculture and forestry provide the right answers to the pressing climate problems of our time. It stands for safe food production, short transport routes and the provision of renewable energy. For more than three decades, farmers have been working on innovative energy solutions. Countless prototypes have been developed on farms into internationally marketable energy technologies. 

With persistent enthusiasm and genuine manual labour, the first self-built solar systems were created in the early 1980s, which still generate free heat today. Another milestone in the regional heat supply was the technical development of biomass chipping plants. Thanks to many a pioneering agricultural spirit, oil, gas and coal have been replaced over the years by climate-friendly and local wood chips.

The utilisation of regional resources and the efficient use of energy are as important success factors for agriculture and forestry today as they were then. Austria's agricultural sector requires more than six billion kilowatt hours of energy every year. The cost of energy supply is around 550 million euros. The implementation of simple measures alone can save over 100 million euros per year.

With increasing electrification and digitalisation, energy as a production factor is taking on a new significance. Today, agricultural and forestry operations are using completely new technologies to reduce energy costs, such as photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, heat pumps, energy storage systems and satellite-controlled driving assistants. The technologies are digitally networked and constantly communicate with each other with the aim of ensuring the most efficient energy supply possible.

By implementing efficiency measures on your farm, you are taking a step towards energy independence, climate protection and a farm worth living on. 

• Energieeffiziente Landwirtschaft

The University of Tartu is collaborating with farmers to enrich agricultural landscapes by planting diverse hedgerows. As part of the Climate Farm Demo project, OÜ Mäemõisa established the first trial, planting a 130-meter hedgerow with various trees and shrubs suitable for hedging, including buckthorn, viburnum, blackcurrant, gooseberry, hawthorn, hazel, and elm. Over the next few years, they plan to establish approximately 4 kilometers of hedgerows.

For the first trial, they focused mainly on native plants, some bearing edible fruits. In subsequent stages, they will create different types of hedgerows and tree lines—some designed for harvestable fruits, others to support biodiversity, and some for aesthetic appeal.

The planting area also includes experiments with different mulches and trunk protection methods. One key reason for establishing hedgerows was to create green corridors that connect forest masses separated by fields. The project also includes observations on planting tools and techniques, offering insights for both the farmers and other hedgerow enthusiasts.

Researchers recommend establishing both pruned and free-form hedgerows. The location choice should consider local conditions, expectations, and possibilities. Hedgerows with a mix of species, including natural ones from the surrounding area, are more likely to survive. It is advised to select species of different heights, with flowering and fruiting occurring at different times.

In areas where maintaining herbaceous vegetation is difficult, wider strips are recommended. Hedgerows and shrub strips are best established in early spring or autumn. Taller shrubs should be grouped toward the center, while smaller shrubs should be placed around them.

During the first few years, hedgerows require more care, including mulching. A 6-meter mown grass strip around the hedgerows is recommended, which can also be seeded with natural seed mixes to support biodiversity. 

• Tartu Ülikooli maastike elurikkuse töörühm (2023). Kuidas rajada elurikkaid he…
• Tartu Ülikooli maastike elurikkuse töörühm (2025). Raja ja säilita hekke ja põ…
• Loodusrikas Eesti meeskond (2024). Rajasime põllumaastikele esimesed hekid ja …
• Loodusrikas Eesti - Eesmärgid ja tegevused
• Mäemõisa lugu

Livestock production is an important component of the agri-food chain and the rural economy; however, it has been identified as one of the main emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG), primarily methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The assessment of these gases in livestock farming can be conducted using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, a standardized method under ISO 14040 and 14044 that calculates the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its life cycle.
LCA consists of several phases:

• Defining the purpose/objective of the analysis
• Choosing the functional unit associated with GHG emissions (kg Fat and Protein Corrected Milk (FPCM) or kg live weight gain (LWG) and setting system boundaries
• Conducting inventory analysis to collect necessary data
• Selecting emission factors to calculate all gases produced on the farm

Once emission factors are identified, the contributions of methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide to global warming are calculated using their Global Warming Potential (GWP)—a measure of each gas’s impact relative to CO₂ equivalent (CO₂-eq). The values are 28 kg CO₂-eq for CH₄ and 265 kg CO₂-eq for N₂O and 1 kg CO₂ eq for CO₂. (See IPCC: Fifth Assessment Report)

Applying LCA to agriculture and livestock enables an assessment of environmental sustainability, identifying the main impact sources while also evaluating and implementing potential improvements. This methodology helps pinpoint high-emission and resource-intensive processes within production systems, allowing for the identification of optimal improvement strategies to enhance environmental performance. 

• IPCC: Fifth Assessment Report

The ESGreen Tool is a digital application developed in Denmark to assist farmers in calculating and managing the carbon footprint of their agricultural operations. Introduced in 2022, it servesas the country's first software capable of assessing a farm's greenhouse gas emissions andexploring potential reduction strategies. The calculation methods behind the tool arealigned with the guidelines of IPCC 2006 as the national inventory report at farm level, and the guidelines of PEF for the calculations at product level.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive emission assessment: The tool evaluates emissions from various farm activities, including livestock digestion, manure management, crop residue decomposition, energy consumption, and the import of resources like feed and animals.
• Scenario analysis: Farmers can model different scenarios to understand the impact ofpotential changes in practices, such as adjustments in feed composition, fertilizer applcation, or the adoption of new technologies, on their overall emissions.
• Data integration: ESGreenTool integrates with existing agricultural databases, allowing for automatic data transfer and reducing manual input. This integration ensures that calculations are based on accurate and up-to-date information, specifically concerning the farm.
• Product-level footprint: In its advanced version, ESGreenTool Climate 2, the application enables farmers to calculate the climate impact per unit of product, such as per kilogramof eggs, providing detailed insights into the emissions associated with specific outputs. 

• ESGreenTool® – the digital solution for environmental, social, and governance …
• Climate footprint at farm level: the importance of imports (Resource in Danish)

The impact of climate change on the Montado system is severe, causing soil degradation, water scarcity, high temperatures, extreme weather events, and pest and disease proliferation. These factors affect tree health andproductivity, and animal welfare. To ensure the system’s resilience and sustainability, it is essential to balance forest density and livestock stocking rates, influencing grazing strategies.

Optimized grazing management is crucial, especially in systems with high stocking rates or multiple livestock types. Overgrazing can lead to soil compaction, reduced tree health, and compromised vegetation regeneration. Well-managed pastures, however, reduce the need for supplementary feed, lowering farm costs. Defining grazing areas, rest periods, and animal numbers per plot helps to adapt the Montado system to climate change and improves pasture management.

Implementing a rotational grazing calendar varies depending on farm characteristics and livestock type but is key to system resilience. This strategy can be expanded to other mixed and extensive livestock systems, strengthening sustainability.

At Monte da Silveira, a 700-hectare farm in Castelo Branco, Portugal, livestock includes pigs, sheep, and goats, alongside crops and pastures. 
Grazing is rotational: each plot subdivided into small plots where a high number of animals graze for a short period (hours or days) and then rest for a long period (months or years). The number of animals and grazing time is controlled to avoid overgrazing, erosion and soil degradation, promoting soil regeneration. The system follows a specific grazing sequence: local-breed black pigs feed on acorns first, followed by sheep grazing on herbaceous species, and finally goats controlling shrubs. This model adds value to acornfed pigs, reduces wildfire risk, and prevents overgrazing. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Two years ago, Veerle and Colin took over Veerle's parents' dairy farm, transforming it from a classic dairy farm focused on producing mats for Geraardsbergen mattentaarten to a more sustainable operation. They now have 12 English Longhorns for meat and 70 dairy cows, along with 35 ha of arable land and 30 ha of grassland.

Veerle, with her background as an environmental lawyer, welcomed the climate scan proposal. The initial results from the Klimrek tool highlighted useful measures, some of which were implemented immediately, while others are planned.

Their climate measures include:

• Hedges and Trees: Supported by Bos+ and Regional Landscape Flemish Ardennes, they focus on hedges, trees, and flower borders for carbon storage and biodiversity.
• Grass Clover-Lucerne: They reduced fodder maize from 22 ha to 10 ha, replacing it with a grass clover-lucerne mix, requiring less fertilization.
• Triticale – Field Beans: They planted 6 ha of triticale-field beans to replace soy in feed, with guidance from colleagues and project advisors.
• Soil Health and Water Management: Switching to grass clover-lucerne and méteil has improved soil structure and water management, though it remains challenging.
• Farm Composting: They see potential in using wood chips and manure for composting, hoping for regulatory approval soon.
• Solar Panels and Heat Recovery: These are considered for future implementation.

Their farm is part of the Climate Farm Demo network, which connects pilot farms to demonstrate climate-smart practices and share knowledge. Local farmers provide invaluable support, especially Walloon colleagues who are more advanced in organic farming and agro-ecology.

Veerle and Colin believe in farming with nature while maintaining economic viability, emphasizing the need for greater appreciation and visibility of farmers' efforts.

• Portrait published in newsletter of the Expertise Centre for Agriculture and C…

Farmers and farm advisors play a crucial role in implementing climate-smart farming practices, but they often face challenges in accessing and benefiting from reward mechanisms. This practice abstract aims to identify 
the key needs of farmers and advisors to engage more effectively with these mechanisms.

Farmers need straightforward, organized, and easy-to-understand information about the available mechanisms, including policy contexts, eligibility criteria, benefits, and potential risks. Organizations like farmer groups are essential for sharing this information.

Easy-to-use carbon calculation tools should help farmers determine their potential earnings from carbon credits. Clear policies with consistent rules, less red tape, and proven methods are crucial for building farmers' trust in mechanisms. Reliable advisors can help farmers through application processes, compliance tracking, and economic feasibility evaluation. Offering fair and motivating prices for carbon credits and other sustainable production outputs is essential.

Advisors need ongoing training, especially on carbon market tools, updates on national and EU policies, and incentive programs. They need accessible tools to help farmers navigate the complexities of rewarding mechanisms, offering risk assessments and evaluations of long-term economic impacts. Access to trustworthy validation and certification schemes ensures that incentives offered to farmers are credible and financially sound

To make the most of rewarding mechanisms, it is important to create a userfriendly information platform, strengthen advisory networks by training advisors in climate-smart agriculture and reward systems, equip them with decision-making tools, establish consistent rules, simplify processes, providestable policies to motivate farmers’ participation, boost market opportunities through fair pricing for carbon credits and sustainable products, and encourage knowledge sharing.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/rewarding-mechanisms/?e-filter-d1…

With rising energy costs and the need for climate-smart farming, farmers require structured guidance to improve energy efficiency. The Belgian farmers' organisation Boerenbond has developed a practical manual to help advisors and farmers navigate this transition. The Farmers with Power! tool offer a six-step approach to optimising energy use, reducing costs, and fostering a greener, climate-smart agricultural sector.

1. Know your farm

Advisors work with farmers to analyse energy consumption: how much is needed, when, and at what power level. This may involve assessing energy use across different seasons and peak operational times. Energy monitoring systems can help track usage and identify areas for improvement.

2. Energy bill optimisation

Farmers should review their energy bills for potential savings, such as negotiating better rates or adjusting contracts to better align with usage patterns.

3. Energy-saving measures

Reducing energy use can involve upgrading lighting, optimising heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems, and investing in efficient machinery and equipment.

4. Renewable energy production

Farmers can install solar panels, wind turbines, or biomass systems to cut fossil fuel reliance and emissions. Feasibility depends on space, local climate conditions, labour, and financial resources.

5. Smart use of own produced energy

Aligning energy use with production periods, shifting energy-intensive tasks, and investing in storage solutions maximises renewable energy benefits.

6. Collaboration on energy

Farmers can join energy communities to share costs, access funding, and negotiate better energy deals. Cooperatives can also implement energyefficient infrastructure and demand-side management strategies, enhancing energy resilience.
 

This tool supports farmers, advisors, and energy consultants in advancing 
energy efficiency and sustainability in climate-smart farming. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

Integrating trees into UK farmland is not new; some argue the landscape is naturally a mix of farmland and trees. However, post-WWII until the mid80s, farmers were incentivized to remove hedges and enlarge fields for machinery, later risking payment losses if planting trees on arable land (1). 

Today, tree farming benefits are recognized, with grants supporting diversification. The UK Government Agroforestry Handbook categorizes tree integration into in-field (silvoarable, silvopasture, wood pasture, orchards) and around-field (trees in hedges, trees in fields, windbreaks, riparian buffers) systems. Farmers can combine these based on farm needs and funding.
EcoFarm in Nottingham, a 26-hectare Climate Demo Farm, is managed by a Community Benefit Society. It integrates trees into two agroforestry systems: 740 trees in arable fields between 24-meter cropping alleys with wildflower strips and 3,700 trees in woodland with grazing sheep.
After 10 years, research with the University of Reading found alley planting delivers greater environmental gains than broadacre planting, also improving soil health. A key non-cash benefit is community involvement, as volunteers help with planting and harvesting (2).
Whitehall Farm in Cambridgeshire, another Climate Demo Farm, established a silvoarable orchard system in 2009, planting 4,500 apple trees across 52 hectares. Trees are spaced 3 meters apart, with an understory of clovers, vetch, and wildflowers. 27-meter cropping alleys allow machinery access. Tree row orientation reduces shading and wind erosion, a common 
Fens challenge. Late-ripening apples enable cereal harvests in late summer, followed by apple picking in autumn. With a 15-year tenancy, apples provided a strong return on investment, while also improving soil protection, pest control, and biodiversity (3).

Sources:
(1) UK Government Guide to Agroforestry
(2) Farmers Weekly - Agroforestry in Nottingham
(3) Agroforestry Net - Whitehall Farm

• Farm Woodland Forum
• THE AGROFORESTRY HANDBOOK- Agroforestry for the UK
• UK Government Guide to agroforestry : Sets out definitions and types of agrofor…
• The Tree Species Guide for UK Agroforestry Systems
• Definition of trees and woodland
• 1 st UK Agroforestry Conference
• Agroforestry Weekend : Agroforestry weekend is celebrated every May in the UK w…

Fat enrichment involves increasing the proportion of certain feed ingredients—such as fatty substances (rapeseed, linseed, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil)—to 5–6% of dry matter in the feed. The primary effect of fat supplementation is to replace other energy sources, mainly carbohydrates, and to reduce methane production.

Scientific studies on sheep, cattle, and dairy cows in other countries (Beauchemin et al., 2008) have shown that for every 1% increase in fat (on a dry matter basis), CH₄ emissions decrease by 2.2–7.3%:

• Coconut oil: 7.3% reduction
• Soybean and sunflower oil: 4.1% reduction
• Linseed oil: 4.8% reduction
• Rapeseed oil: 2.5% reduction
• Fats (saturated): 3.5% reduction

By formulating feed rations for dairy cows, it is evident that including rapeseed or rapeseed oil can reduce methane emissions by approximately 9%. This approach is a viable option not only for conventional farms but also for organic farms.

Reducing microbial activity in the rumen lowers fiber digestion and alters volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles—acetic (60–70%), propionic (20–25%), and butyric acid (10–15%). Imbalances affect milk fat/protein and methane emissions. The acetic-to-propionic acid ratio influences hydrogen use for methane production; typical ratios range from 9:1 to 4:1. Proper feed composition can reduce methane losses. Studies show 5% dietary fat improves early lactation milk yield, with cows able to utilize 0.45 g/day of added fat. Grain-based diets with fat maintain energy and fiber intake. 
Supplementing up to 5% fat is effective, especially in large herds grouped by lactation phase. Fat enrichment reduces CH₄ emissions—1% more fat lowers emissions by 5%. Feed modeling shows rapeseed oil reduces methane by ~9%, offering a promising strategy for both organic and conventional farms to cut GHG emissions while maintaining productivity.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Since 2014, IFIP (the French technical institute for the pig industry) has been providing French pig farmers with the GEEP calculation tool to assess the environmental performance of their workshops. GEEP is also a network of over 900 pig farmers and around 130 advisors. The environmental balance sheet is based on nine quantitative indicators covering the consumption of natural resources (water and energy), emissions (nitrogen and phosphorus), gaseous emissions (ammonia and greenhouse gases), and waste production. These indicators are calculated using the environmental flows from the farm divided by the kilograms of pigs produced on the farm (e.g., kg of NH₃ per kg of pigs produced).

For greenhouse gas emissions, the scope considers the entire pig production cycle using an LCA (life cycle assessment) approach, with the indicator expressed per kg of live weight. This type of indicator enables farmers to compare their performance with other farms in the same sector and collective benchmarks. GEEP is connected to the national technicaleconomic database managed by IFIP, which saves time when entering individual data and ensures the robustness of the information.

This tool is sensitive to several levers for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers can enter the formulation of the feed they use, selecting the raw feedstuffs and their origin to calculate the feed's carbon footprint as accurately as possible. It incorporates several best practices in the effluent management chain, including the frequency of effluent evacuation from buildings, different storage methods, and methanization. The results also consider the technical performance of each physiological stage. GEEP is a comprehensive tool designed to support farmers in their efforts toward continuous improvement.

• Learn more about GEEP

Soil carbon sequestration is an important aspect of the management of perennial crops such as berry crops. Among the most effective methods for sequestration are the use of mineral products based on calcium hydroxide (e.g. fruit lime) and specific mulching technologies.

Fruit lime is a product characterized by a high content of calcium, magnesium and silica. It is widely used in orchards to regulate soil pH, which is essential for the absorption of nutrients by plants. In addition, lime helps retain carbon in the soil by stabilizing organic matter.

Benefits of using fruit lime:

• Regulate soil pH: Maintaining an optimal pH improves microbiological activity and carbon sequestration.
• Improve soil structure: Calcium promotes the aggregation of soil particles, which increases the soil's ability to retain carbon.
• Increase mineral content: High levels of calcium, magnesium and silica are essential for plant health and resistance to stress factors.

Mulching is a technique in which the soil around plants is covered with organic or inorganic materials. This not only helps retain moisture, but also significantly reduces erosion and increases the organic matter content of the soil.

Specific mulching technologies for berries:

• Organic mulches: The use of mulches made from plant materials such as straw, sawdust, and compost helps retain carbon in the soil. They decompose slowly, enriching the soil with organic matter.
• Inorganic mulches: Mulches made from plastic films or geotextiles can also be effective, as they prevent moisture loss and reduce weed growth, which in turn reduces the need for frequent tillage.

• Media report and video by AGRI.BG for demonstration on 15.10.2024 on the topic…
• Carbon quotas will provide additional support for farmers – VIDEO

Among the agronomic practices used to increase fertility, improve soil structure, enhance biodiversity and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural systems, green manure plays a key role. It is referred to as green manure because it can replace animal waste in the organic fertilization of cultivated land. This practice is widely used in horticulture to counteract the deterioration of soil fertility.

Green manure involves sowing specific intercalary herbaceous plants in rotation with high-income crops. The goal is to bury these plants to improve the productive performance of the next horticultural crop, orchard, or vineyard. However, its primary function is to increase organic matter in the soil by incorporating the plant mass, with all the resulting benefits.

The maximum benefit of this practice is achieved by using legumes, grasses, or buckwheat, which effectively absorb nitrogen. Ideal seed mixtures should have biological cycles of similar duration to ensure uniform flowering. Additionally, mixtures with coarse shredding should be used, with residues left to dry in the field before burial, maximizing the organic matter contribution to the soil.

Following these simple guidelines, combined with careful planning, allows farms to add large quantities of high-quality organic material to the soil. This enriches the soil with key biological fertility factors, benefiting farms by providing a more productive substrate.

A carefully chosen green manure composition also helps prepare a more favorable growing environment for the next crop, ensuring better agricultural results.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

As part of the Climate Farm Demo project, we are opening the farms of our breeders involved in the project. We have carried out several demonstrations to date. At the end of the first open days, we realized how interesting it is to conclude the demonstration with a final exchange with the participants.

This “closing” exchange has 2 objectives:
• Collect feedback from visitors present at the demo (what you liked about the demonstration, on the organization of the day, what could be improved, etc.) with the aim of improving the next demonstrations.
• Give feedback to the farmers who received us by proposing to the participants present to send them a positive point, a piece of advice.

The benefit is it helps to end the demonstration with an exchange between the participants.
To create this concluding exchange we suggest using the flower-shaped drawing below. A facilitator questions the participants and notes their feedback on the flower, either directly with a pencil on it or using post-its 
and positions them on the diagram.

This ‘flower’ tool, which we have adapted from the FARM DEMO toolkit, is proving to be a very interesting and powerful ally for DEMOs. It enhances the value of the farmer's work and gets the participants involved. It strengthens exchanges and creates links. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/pilot-demo-farm/

Château Dillon, 40 ha in « AOC Haut Médoc – Crus Bourgeois Supérieur », is located North of Bordeaux and is one of the three Agro Campus Bordeaux Gironde wine farms. It is also one of the ‘Pilot Demo Farms’ in the Climate Farm Demo project. 

They strongly believe that knowledge exchange, capacity building and training should increasingly be based on peer-to-peer sharing and designed based on ‘working together’. The school’s motto — “collective intelligence, knowledge transfer and sharing” — guides students along a radically new path. They are working hard to maintain access to operational knowledge for those working in the field. And they rely on the strength of the collective and multi-stakeholder approach. They are strongly committed to transferring knowledge through numerous events in the field — very much aligned with Climate Farm Demo main objective!

Château Dillon is also involved in developing innovative teaching tools, such as simulators (for pruning, plot management, sprayer adjustment, etc.), ensuring that training is not dependent on the plant cycle and the seasons. 
Another of their major missions is to serve as a showcase site and a site for experimentation and innovation in the sector. 

Therefore, in 2024, they created a 5-hectare experimental vineyard for assessing innovative practices that are both compatible with society's expectations and economically viable. The primary aim is to create a reservoir of genetic diversity. This vineyard houses vine conservatories designed to safeguard the genetic diversity of grape varieties in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The second objective is to test breakthrough scenarios. There is a long list of innovative techniques, including pruning, planting density, shading, soil conservation, robotisation, etc. And in the future, other parameters will be tested, such as energy and technical sobriety, diversification of production, agroforestry, reduction in the use of phytosanitary products, etc. 

• Vinipôle
• Campus régional des métiers de la vigne et du vin
• « Demain, j’irai vinifier chez toi »
• Erasmus Lycée Blanquefort
• Institut Français de la vigne et du Vin (IFV)
• Sustainable Farming in France: Château Dillon’s Response to Climate Change
• Information about the Farm

Methane (CH₄) comes from the digestion of feed in the rumen, where specialized microbes (methanogens) convert certain components of the diet into methane, which is then eructated into the air. Eructated methane is one of the main sources of greenhouse gases in agriculture.

There are several scientifically documented and effective ways to reduce the methane emitted by ruminants:

• Feed: Changing the ruminant diet can influence CH₄ production. For example, introducing feed supplements such as fats or tannins or using more digestible feed can reduce methane emissions.
• Genetic selection: There are individual variations in methane production among animals, making it possible to select those that emit less methane. In the long term, this could help reduce herd-wide emissions.
• Feed additives: These prevent CH₄ production in the rumen. While highly effective, they require regular distribution in the feed, which can be challenging for grazing livestock.
• New technologies: Research is underway on vaccines targeting methane-producing microbes and devices that capture methane directly from the animals' noses. These approaches are still experimental but could provide complementary solutions in the future.

Reducing CH₄ emissions must not compromise the profitability of livestock farming or its role in global food production. The feasibility of solutions varies depending on farming systems, economic conditions, and available infrastructure. To have a real large-scale impact, multiple solutions must be combined while ensuring they remain accessible and practical for farmers.

In conclusion, reducing methane emissions requires better feed management, genetic selection, the use of feed additives, and technological innovation. This must be supported by policies that promote sustainable practices while preserving the economic sustainability of farms.

• “Recent Advances in Enteric Methane Mitigation and the Long Road to Sustainabl…

The Climate Farm Demo event in Bavois, Switzerland, in October 2024 focused on educating and training agricultural professionals about the essential role of cover crops as well as methods like direct seeding, in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Research presented at the event showed that soil covered by plants can absorb rainwater more effectively, reduce erosion, and heat up less in summer. In contrast, uncovered soils are vulnerable to water and nutrient losses, as well as soil erosion. An aggregate stability test conducted on-site illustrated how soil stability is affected by management practices and how plant cover can improve soil stability.

Individuals from agricultural practice and advisory can leverage these insights by integrating strategies for implementing cover crops and reduced tillage into their farming practices. These methods improve soil quality and fertility, contributing to long-term yield stability and increases.

At the end of the event, Hanspeter Liniger (University of Bern) shared findings from the "Hot earth is not cool" project, highlighting how uncovered soils are highly vulnerable to erosion, runoff, and heat stress. He explained that covered soils absorb and store rainwater better, protecting against erosion and drought. Rain simulator studies show that up to 50% of heavy rainfall runs off uncovered soils, causing major losses of water, soil, and nutrients. In contrast, soils under permanent pasture or cover crops with notill practices showed minimal runoff and erosion. Uncovered soils can heat up to over 60°C in summer, harming soil life. Mulch can lower topsoil temperatures by 15–20°C, while living plant covers are even more effective and help stabilize soil structure. Frequent ploughing disrupts roots and soil microbes, weakens soil stability and increases erosion risks.

https://www.ufarevue.ch/pflanzenbau/warum-boeden-vor-hitze-zu-schuetzen-sind

• Liniger, H.; Askrabic, J. (2024). Warum Böden vor Hitze zu schützen sind. UFA …
• Video Regensimulator (Liniger und Askrabic, 2024)
• Video Aggregatstabilitätstest (Liniger und Askrabic, 2024)
• Agroscope page on cover crops

High pH of slurry is the main reason for very rapid evaporation of ammonia during its application to the field. During storage of slurry in tanks, significant nitrogen losses also occur. These losses can be reduced by covering tanks, cooling the slurry to slow down the processes occurring in it, or acidifying it.

Currently, in Denmark 20% of slurry is acidified. There are only a few pilot plants outside Denmark. Interest in this technique is growing in other countries, and the current BAT (Best Available Techniques) document indicates slurry acidification as a mandatory best available technique in all EU countries. Practical implications/recommendations: There are 3 methods of slurry acidification: “in house”, “in field” and “in storage”. It is very important to follow safety rules in each system. Particular attention should be paid to personal protective equipment, such as eye protection goggles, a mask absorbing toxic fumes, acid-resistant gloves and shoes, and a hooded suit. The cost of purchasing sulphuric acid is low, around 15 EUR per litre, and it is easily available. Main cost is equipment. The first slurry acidification system appeared on the market in 1999 in Denmark and it was a system of acidification in house. Then around 2009 a system of acidification in the field was introduced. The last one on the market appeared a system of acidification of slurry in storage.

• Target Audience: farmers

• Slurry acidification technologies (in Polish)
• Treating slurry to reduce emissions
• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

We have been witnessing climate change, and its impact on agriculture is enormous. Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors affected by climate change. Therefore, several agricultural producers who are aware of this impact, as well as the need to adapt their production and implement climate-smart practices on their farms, have joined the Climate Farm Demo project.

It is important to present to farmers engaged in arable production the structure of sowing on farms, the method of tillage, and whether, and which, cover crops are sown (winter or spring). As integral stakeholders of the ecosystem, seed producers and distributors—with their offer of leguminous seeds and mixtures of seeds from different botanical species for various purposes—must be included in efforts to adapt agriculture to climate change.

It is also very important to show farmers different types of winter cover crops, such as mixtures of winter vetch, winter broad beans, black beans, and broad bean crops intended for processing. Demonstrating the nodules on the roots of legumes and emphasizing the positive effects of introducing legumes into crop rotation is essential.

However, it is important to emphasize that sowing cover crops involves several soil maintenance measures that include the presence of vegetation on the land, with the aim of maintaining or increasing soil organic matter content, improving the physical properties of the soil (soil structure, waterair relations), accumulating nitrogen in the soil through legume cultivation, enhancing soil microbiological activity, and controlling weeds through biological methods—in general, increasing soil fertility.

Additionally, cover crops serve the important function of “soil cover” with the intention of preventing erosion (by water and/or wind) and nutrient leaching, primarily nitrates, thereby helping to prevent groundwater pollution. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

If you're leading a project that involves diverse actors (i.e. farmers, advisors, cooperatives, researchers, and agro-industries) across multiple countries,like the European "Climate Farm Demo" (CFD), structuring your project effectively is key to success. Here are some insights from over two years of CFD experience:

1. Clear Role Definition

In large-scale projects such as CFD which involves over 80 partners, 1,500 farmers, 250 advisors, and National Coordinators across 26 countries, defining roles is crucial. Clearly identify the levels of responsibility and differentiate between those who carry out tasks (field actors) and decision-makers who provide resources. The goal is to keep the organization simple, flexible, and efficient, with dedicated channels to address each actor type.

2. Linking European and National/Local Levels

To ensure the network functions well across countries, the following steps are key:

• Leverage Existing Networks: Build on national or regional demofarm networks, advsory groups, or cooperatives. If none exist, help partners create one.
• National Coordinators: Appoint someone to lead local efforts, connect with national stakeholders and act as an interface with the European level (see dedicated Practice Abstract).
• Common Operating Framework: Create a flexible, cohesive framework for national networks to follow.
• Regular Engagement: Organize recurring missions like annual national meetings to keep stakeholders engaged.
• Quarterly Coordination: Connect all National Coordinators regularly through a dedicated management group and online meetings to share updates, challenges, and solutions.
• Involving Advisors and Experts: Advisors are crucial for guiding farmers through climate-smart practices. Ensure that National 
  Coordinators facilitate these networks, connect with advisors’ managers for support, and involve experts to train advisors on new practices and facilitation skills. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

To help Living Labs (LL) set up and develop a common strategy and an action plan, CFD has developed a roadmap. It is based on five steps: 

1. Defining the boundaries of the LL in terms of purpose, objectives, activities, etc.,
2. Identifying the central problem that the LL will address,
3. Stakeholder analysis and engagement,
4. Identifying resources, capabilities, collaborations, and innovations (RCCI), and the assessment of conditions for setting up a LL,
5. Developing an actionable plan to address the identified gaps and opportunities. 

The outcome of this roadmap is a living working strategy and action plan especially tailored for each LL.

Step 4 was carried out in a local workshop for each LL through a series of targeted questions directed at Living Lab actors. These questions exploredthe availability of tangible and intangible resources, including human, financial, and technological resources, as well as adaptive and absorptive capabilities. Additionally, they assessed the living lab's current ability to scale or identify capabilities that are still needed.

This step focuses on empowering living lab actors by identifying and analysing resources, capabilities, collaborations, and innovations (RCCI). The approach enhances the understanding of how resources and capabilities influence problem-solving, innovation, and scaling in climate-smart agriculture. Grounded in theories like dynamic capabilities and the resource-based view, RCCI identification supports the alignment of objectives with available and missing resources. It also enables LLs to establish effective action plans for co-creation, innovation, and transitioning to climate-smart practices. This method bridges gaps between current capacities and desired outcomes, ensuring robust strategies for addressing climate challenges.
 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

The organic carbon content is vertically stratified in direct cropping fields. 
In the upper 0-5 cm soil layers, its content is increased, in the lower layers decreased. In traditionally ploughed soils the crop content is more uniform. 
Soluble phosphorus and potassium are also vertically stratified in direct cropped fields. Such fields may acidify more rapidly and require liming. 
There were no major problems with excessive trampling of soils. Soil microbiological activity was higher in direct seeding fields. Earthworm abundance tended to be higher in ploughed fields, but the number of earthworm species tended to be higher in direct-sown fields. The use of plant protection products of direct-sowed fields was significantly higher compared to the ploughed fields. More pesticide residues were detected in the soil and mulch of direct broadcast fields than in plough-based fields. 
The aim of direct sowing is to maximize soil protection, reduce emissions and create a larger window for optimal sowing at minimum cost to the producer. Direct sowing has been tested for example in winter wheat, peas, beans, barley, winter oilseed rape, catch crops and grasslands in Estonia. 
With direct sowing, the tractor hours and labour costs can be reduced. We can also save soil, increase soil carbon and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Indeed, ploughing should only be used when it is absolutely necessary (e.g. after extensive land preparation). 

• Maaelu Teadmuskeskus (2024). Minimeeritud harimise ja otsekülvi mõju muldade o…
• Pajuste, M. (2024). Sadala Agro: uus tehnoloogia toob märkimisväärse kokkuhoiu…
• Mullastiku uuringud
• Sadala Agro: uus tehnoloogia toob märkimisväärse kokkuhoiu
• METKi katsed: kuidas mõjub otsekülv mullale

The objective of implementing this measure was, among other things, to demonstrate that rotational grazing using electric fencing offers multiple advantages for the sheep farming sector, particularly in a low-input system for sheep milk production.

In addition to being a climate-friendly measure that reduces the net carbon footprint, rotational grazing also provides economic benefits and enhances farm resilience. While it requires an initial investment (e.g., purchasing electric fencing) and the assimilation of new knowledge regarding grazing management, the advantages are numerous.

These benefits include increased biomass production per hectare, better control of animal feeding (e.g., by category), and the prevention of overgrazing—factors directly linked to farm efficiency. In the long term, rotational grazing also improves pasture resistance to drought, enhances soil quality, and positively influences biodiversity.

As farmers gain experience, this measure can be implemented at different levels, ranging from simple, empirical applications—such as copying models from other farmers or visually assessing pastures—to rigorous planning that includes biomass production estimations and biochemical analyses to determine nutritional value.

The primary beneficiaries are farmers, as well as agricultural consultants specializing in nutrition, grassland management, and related fields. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

An organic open-field vegetable farm in Nord Finistère (France, Brittany region) is addressing the challenges of climate change by implementing innovative solutions to improve soil health and enhance resilience.
 

1. Setting up a composting platform (under consideration)
   In response to the increasing scarcity of manure, the farm aims to compost its own organic waste (particularly 55 tonnes of leek waste) instead of sending it to a nearby biogas plant. This solution would:

• Increase self-sufficiency in organic matter, which is essential for soil fertility and water retention.
• Reduce tractor trips, thereby lowering the environmental impact.
• Produce a carbon-rich soil improver that enhances soil structure and biological activity.

          2. Optimizing plant cover
The farmer systematically plants cover crops after harvests to enrich the soil. 
He is participating in an economic and environmental interest group to refine species selection and mixtures suited to vegetable rotations. An innovative seeding system has been developed to:

• Sow cover crops in the uncultivated alleys of cauliflower fields, increasing carbon storage and soil structure.
• Maximize biomass production to improve water retention and fertility.

To reduce soil compaction, the farmer has equipped a tractor with a remote tyre inflation system. Air pressure is reduced when working in the fields (harvesting winter vegetables, tilling the soil, and sowing cover crops). Mini-profiles have been created to observe the effect of this equipment during leek harvests in the winter of 2023–2024.

These practices enhance the farm’s resilience by limiting erosion, increasing carbon storage, and improving the soil’s ability to withstand drought and excess water.

• À Plouvorn (29) : UNE JOURNÉE INNOV’ACTION LÉGUMES - Page 26
• Grall Lionel - Pilot Demo Farm in France

The use of intercrops has changed over the years; their earlier function on Polish farms was to produce fodder for animals. Today, their primary function is to provide protection against wind and water erosion, as well as to enrich the soil with organic matter.

A properly composed intercrop mixture should consist of plants whose root system is either bundled or stilt, which influences soil structure: respectively, plants with a bundled system increase soil microporosity, while stilt loosens compacted soil layers.

Intercrops impede the escape of certain elements into the environment through runoff, leaching or volatilisation, as well as conserving moisture and retaining snow. Intercrops are also grown for green manure, which is the case when cover crops are selected precisely to loosen up the soil or to fertilise another crop. In general, atmospheric nitrogen-fixing legumes are grown for use as green manure and once destroyed, supply the soil with nitrogen.

The vegetation cover also contributes to soil fertility by storing atmospheric carbon through photosynthetic action. Later, when plant residues are at least partially decomposed, they provide a source of organic matter and allow the humus content of the soil to increase. 

To a lesser extent, farmers use catch crops to reduce the weed infestation on arable fields. The introduction of fast-growing species allows strong competition with weed growth at a time when arable fields are most vulnerable to weed infestation. Competition for resources (light, water and nutrients in the soil) helps reduce weed biomass and seed production which avoids feeding the soil seed bank and future weed emergence. Some species also reduce weed emergence through allelopathic effects e.g.: rye, buckwheat.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Pest and disease management in Portugal's fruit and vegetable sector is an increasing challenge. The high incidence of these issues may compromise crop productivity and quality, leading to significant economic losses for producers. When a crop is affected by pests or diseases, costs can be substantial—not only in controlling the outbreak but also in potentially lost production. In response, producers recognize the need of adopting preventive measures that enhance pest and disease management.

The primary objectives of these practices are to increase crop productivity and enhance fruit quality, ensuring a more competitive final product, by preventing and closely monitoring pest and disease occurrence. 
Additionally, they aim to reduce dependence on plant protection products, fostering a more balanced and cost-effective production model.

To achieve these goals, several measures have been implemented:

1. Pruning and preventative treatments help mitigate the risk of pest infestations and disease outbreaks. Ensuring the temperatures and relative humidity in the orchard are not optimal for pest and disease development is a preventive measure that has a high impact.
2. Promoting biodiversity is another effective approach, achieved through the creation of ecological strips, the sowing of biodiverse plant mixtures between orchard rows and the installation of artificial habitats for beneficial insects and auxiliary organisms. These actions support ecosystem balance and enhance natural biological pest control.
3. Regular crop monitoring is also essential for timely and effective intervention. Systematic observation and the counting of pests and beneficial organisms enable more precise and efficient responses, reducing waste and optimizing resource use.

By adopting these best practices, the fruit and vegetable sector can enhance sustainability while strengthening the competitiveness of Portuguese producers ensuring high-quality and environmentally responsible products.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Establishing links with external networks has three main goals:

1. Integrate knowledge and research from other projects, initiatives and policymakers,
2. Give visibility to the project and disseminate its resources and main outputs.
3. Create opportunities for cooperation.

To facilitate this type of collaboration, the project has established a list of relevant Projects, Initiatives and Policymakers with contributions of several partners in the consortium.

The Inventory of Projects, Flagship Initiatives, and Policymakers (PIP) of the Climate Farm Demo (CFD) is a key strategic tool for establishing cooperation at European and national levels between Climate Farm Demo and other PIPs. This tool lists various projects, initiatives and policymakers that might prove to be relevant for partners in CFD.

By using this database, CFD partners may find new opportunities forcollaboration both at national and at European level. Such opportunities might include the organization of joint conferences and workshops, integrating methodologies and tools from other projects into the work developed in Climate Farm Demo and even knowledge exchange with policymakers to provide feedback on current policy measures.

Input was collected from all project partners, as well as a targeted search for relevant policymakers within the EU Commission, EU Parliament and EU Council. Afterwards, a detailed search and analysis was made to collect relevant information of the identified past, ongoing, and future projects, as well as flagship initiatives and policymakers. The resulting database enables a detailed mapping of PIP names, description and relevance to different partners in the Project. This tool was the first step towards establishing synergies that have an added value for Climate Farm Demo. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

1. How can best use be made of the host farmer’s experiences?

The host farmer should be front and center during a farm event. Ideally, appoint a facilitator to guide the conversation. In discussion with the host farmer, explore the success of climate solutions adopted, issues encountered, and the pros and cons of technologies used.
For example, consider a farmer using protected urea. Ask:

• Where did they first hear about it?
• Did they research it before use?
• Has it changed their previous practices?
• Main advantages/disadvantages?
• Cost–benefit outcome?
• What advice would they give to others?

2. How can you create opportunities for audience involvement?

A farm walk is more impactful when participants can:

• Ask the host farmer questions

• Share their own experiences

  This may involve allocating time for Q&A, small group discussions, 
  group exercises, or informal knowledge exchange—e.g., over a cup of 
  tea.

3. Is the host farmer comfortable speaking at the event?

Research shows that ‘other farmers’ are a primary source of information for farmers. Whether introverted or extroverted, it’s crucial to assess the host farmer’s comfort level with public speaking. While confident speakers make facilitation easier, it’s not essential. As a facilitator, your role is to guide the conversation, extracting insights and relaying key messages through the farmer.

Events have a greater impact when participants can relate to the host 
farmer’s system and experience. Ideally, the host farmer should help select 
the topic, ensuring they are confident and knowledgeable when presenting. 

• Climate Farm Demo Design Guide

You are a facilitator of a Living Lab and want to brainstorm and prioritize ideas. How do you do this with all the participants, but without falling into endless discussions? All you need is an open space where people can mingle, a card (A6 size) and a pen for each participant. Follow the steps below: 

1. Ask a question of the group to which you want individual answers. For example: what is the most interesting opportunity for our Living Lab? or...what we should discuss next time is.... Write this question on a board for everyone to see.
2. Give everyone 3 minutes to come up with an answer. Everyone may only give 1 idea. Ask to write this in 3 to 5 words on the card. Only 1 side of the card may be written on.  
3. Ask everyone to stand up with their card and pen in hand. Let everyone crisscross for 1 minute and have them continuously exchange cards without looking at the card. Encourage a fast pace.
4. Clap your hands and ask everyone to stand still. Everyone has a random card in their hand. Ask to form pairs with the nearest person and ask to discuss both cards and make a judgment. For each pair, divide 7 points between the 2 cards. The best idea gets 4 or more points. The inferior idea 3 or less. Write this score on the back of the corresponding card.
5. The 2nd round begins again with walking and exchanging cards simultaneously. After 1 minute, 7 points are again distributed in pairs and written on the back of the card. Ditto for rounds 3 and 4.
6. Ask everyone to add up the 4 scores written on the back of the card they have in their hand. The result is between 0 and 28.
7. Plenary select answers with the highest score, as in an auction: who has 28 points? Who has 27, 26, etc. Write on the flip chart the 3-6 ideas with the highest scores and therefore with a lot of commitment.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/living-lab-practices/?e-filter-d1…

A healthy, structurally aerobic soil must maintain a proper water/air ratio to retain moisture without displacing air. Key to this is enabling water infiltration, leaving plant residues on the surface, and avoiding disturbance to soil layers and organisms—thus respecting natural principles and the soil microbiome. Plants and fungi play vital roles in nutrient and moisture transfer over long distances. On this farm, mechanical loosening and ploughing have been replaced by biological soil processing— a symbiosis of plant roots and fungi. Soil organic matter and fungi help stabilise soil aggregates.

The farm Agricultural Cooperative Krakovany – Stráže follows a holistic approach, implementing practices gradually:

• In 2011, minimisation technologies were introduced, and ploughing was stopped.
• From 2013, cover crops were used.
• Between 2016–2018, they transitioned to full no-till farming.
• From 2020/2021, they eliminated fungicides, insecticides, and artificial fertilisers.

Monitoring began in 2014, in partnership with the University of Agriculture, focusing on organic carbon soil. Since 2020/2021, mineral nitrogen is assessed during different crop stages. From 2020, microbial life, particularly soil fungi and bacteria—is also monitored. In 2023, collaboration with the Slovak Academy of Sciences began, using DNA metabarcoding to assess soil fungal diversity.

Additionally, soil compaction is being measured after machinery passes, comparing conventional fields to those under no-till for 8–10 years. These studies are part of various academic theses (bachelor, master's, PhD, and Habilitation), including assessments of the economic benefits of switching from conventional to regenerative practices. 

• Short video from the Living Soil Day event (2024)
• Climate Farm Demo Living Labs

France, like the European Union, aims to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 by reducing greenhouse gas emission in all sectors. Pig farming accounts for 6% of livestock-related greenhouse gas emissions in France. For pig farms with slurry systems, GHG emissions linked to effluents are dominated by methane. Ammonia is indirectly involved because of its contribution to the formation of nitrous oxide, another greenhouse gas with a major impact on global warming. 

Manure cooling is a technique based on recovering heat from slurry stored in pig farms. A heat-transfer fluid circulates through a network of pipes installed at the bottom of the pre-pit, allowing heat exchange with the slurry. This system transfers the recovered heat to a heat pump connected to a hot water tank or a heating system, for example, to preheat the air in farrowing units. While the primary goal of this technique is to reduce energy consumption, it can also help reduce the environmental impact of pig farms, with French trials conducted by Ifip showing a 20% reduction in ammonia emissions and a 60% reduction in methane emissions. However, this technique is better suited to new buildings, as the pipe network must be embedded in the concrete slab of the pre-pit; installing it in existing buildings would significantly reduce the available storage volume of slurry within the facility.

• Etude de l’influence du refroidissement du lisier sur les émissions gazeuses d…

Anaerobic digestion (AD) provides a sustainable solution for agricultural waste by capturing methane from slurry, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and producing renewable energy. Farms benefit from biogas generation for electricity and heat, while modular systems allow accessibility across sectors. AD also creates organic fertilisers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur, reducing dependence on synthetic inputs. 

Biogas production efficiency ranges from 60% to 98%, with gases used in the green gas grid, transport, or on-site in methane-powered machinery. Combined heat and power generators maximise energy self-sufficiency. The byproduct, digestate, can be processed into organic fertilisers, typically containing 0.12–1.5% nitrogen, 0.04–0.26% phosphorus, and 0.12–1.15% potassium, with dry matter content from 1.5% to 45.8%. Processing can concentrate these nutrients to around 30% nitrogen, 15% phosphorus, and 15% potassium. 

Scalable and adaptable, AD integrates one-stage, two-stage, or three-stage digestion to improve gas extraction and waste processing. Modular systems focus on single-phase digestion, achieving up to 95% methane extraction. While initial investment is higher than traditional slurry storage, AD is becoming more cost-effective through modular innovations and financial incentives. Economic viability is enhanced through energy sales, carbon credits, and rising green finance interest. 

AD improves farm sustainability, reduces costs, and generates revenue. Customisable modular systems fit different herd sizes, infrastructure, and energy demands. Advisors support adoption through feasibility studies and carbon audits. Policymakers should expand incentives for AD adoption, supporting carbon sequestration and renewable energy. ROI is expected within four to ten years, potentially accelerated by carbon market opportunities. By adopting AD, farms cut methane emissions, enhance nutrient management, and contribute to a circular agricultural economy.

• IFEAA Manure Emissions report
• Innovation for Agriculture – Climate Smart Farming
• Farm of the Future: Journey to Net Zero, Royal Agricultural Society of England…

Within Climate Farm Demo, 10 Living Labs (LLs) are established. These LLs are creative multi-actor spaces for co-designing innovative climate-smart solutions in real-life settings. Multiple actors—such as farmers, researchers, advisors, suppliers, and policymakers—are involved in developing climatesmart solutions based onclimate-related challenges in the region.
 

To strengthen the co-creation process in the LLs, a specifically designed Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) approach has been developed. The objectives of M&E for the LLs are :

• to support transparency and facilitate peer-to-peer learning between 
  LLs,
• to add reflexivity to strengthen the co-design process within the LL, 
  and
• to improve LL responsiveness to changes and developments in and 
  around the LL. 

Literature provides many tools and approaches for M&E of LLs. Some tools focus on organizational aspects of the LL, others on the co-creation process or on the impact of the LL. Different indicators and approaches can be used, largely depending on the objective of M&E—there is no one-size-fits-all M&E framework for LLs.

In Climate Farm Demo, the M&E framework developed is based on a harmonized approach to allow for comparison between LLs. Monitoring of the LL includes continuously tracking activities by completing an LL diary. This is the responsibility of the LL monitor, a role specifically created in each LL. At regular intervals—twice a year—the LL monitor and facilitator evaluate the LL. The evaluation uses a template assessing the overall performance of the LL (efficiency, efficacy, and stakeholder engagement).

Additionally, the monitor and facilitator complete a self-assessment survey by scoring the LL on several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This helps them reflect on the resources, capabilities, collaborations, and innovations within the living lab. The list of KPIs was developed based on literature related to Living Labs.

• Methodological framework for supporting and running the 10 living labs in Clim…
• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/living-lab-practices/?e-filter-d1…

Rodents are one of the pests with the greatest economic impact on agriculture worldwide, and the Iberian Peninsula is no exception. The rodent species that has unleashed the greatest conflict has been the vole (Microtus arvalis), although there are several species causing agricultural losses. It can affect practically any crop without exception. In our region (Navarra) the vole has increased both in abundance and distribution.

The use of plastic in horticultural crops and the direct sowing of extensive crops have favoured the increase of this species. Voles also increase their numbers in either permanent and multi-year crops, such as alfalfa, and where no-tillage techniques are used. In addition, the modernisation of agricultural and livestock infrastructures has limited the nesting areas for birds that prey on these rodents.

In order to deal with this problem, the burning of stubble and boundaries and the use of rodenticides have traditionally been used. Those are measures with a very high environmental impact and a highly questionable effectiveness.

Artificial nest boxes for predators (kestrels, owls) prevent the overgrowth of vole populations and minimise crop damage. Hedges also have a positive effect.

The nest boxes are placed at a minimum height of 3 metres in buildings such as restored farmyards or agricultural warehouses. In the case of the kestrel they can also be placed on poles. As the breeding area of a pair of barn owls or kestrels is around 30 ha, these boxes should be placed at least 300 m apart to optimise their effectiveness.

This strategy aims to control these rodents in the most effective way in the medium and long term and also has the advantage of being economically and environmentally more sustainable than the usual application of pesticides.

• Technical paper (in Spanish): Topillos en Navarra. Biología y estrategias de c…
• Technical paper (in Spanish): Plan de Control Biológico del Topillo Campesino …
• GREFA (Group for the Rehabilitation of Native Fauna and their Habitats)

The objective of implementing this measure was, among other things, to demonstrate that reducing the carbon footprint of milk production can also be achieved without affecting the profitability of sheep farms, especially within less intensive sheep milk production systems. Within these systems, particularly where the livestock load per hectare is low, farmers often do not focus on ration optimization, especially in ensuring the dietary protein supply needed to support high milk yields or to reach the potential milk production of the animals.

Frequently, in such systems, milk production is less than 100 kg/head/lactation, although the genetic potential of sheep may exceed 120 kg (while the animals are still undergoing genetic improvement).

In this context, one of the implemented measures consists of aligning the protein intake of consumed diets with the nutritional requirements of the animals throughout the year, by providing complementary concentrated feeds. There are several such periods when the nutritional value of pastures is dramatically reduced or when sheep require higher nutritional intake (e.g., peak lactation or preparation for mating).

This measure can be implemented at several levels — from simply following basic nutritional recommendations (e.g., feeding a one-size-fits-all compound feed specific to sheep at certain times of the year), to checking the diets using ruminant feeding tables, and even up to applying precision feeding.

The advantage of the method lies in the fact that, for lactating animals, the effects are quickly noticeable, typically through increased daily milk production. On the other hand, the additional costs related to complementary feeding are offset by the increased income from the higher milk yields.

The main beneficiaries are farmers, but also nutrition consultants, feed producers, and others involved in livestock nutrition and management.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Optimising irrigation in olive groves is critical for increasing efficiency and ensuring sustainability, especially in regions with limited water resources. 
Proper irrigation management reduces water waste and supports higher olive yields.

Meteorological stations are essential tools for efficient irrigation, providing real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind, and rainfall. These parameters help estimate water evaporation from soil and plants (EVP). In hot, dry conditions, EVP rises, and irrigation needs increase, while rain or high humidity reduce water demand. Forecasting rain also helps avoid unnecessary irrigation, improving water use efficiency.

This climate data supports informed decisions tailored to the olive grove’s real needs. Modern technologies further enhance optimisation. Soil moisture sensors, for example, monitor water needs in real time, enabling precise irrigation planning and avoiding over- or under-watering.

Drip irrigation systems, which deliver water directly to the plant roots in controlled amounts, are highly efficient, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Advanced systems combining moisture sensors with weather forecasts allow automated adjustments, maximising water efficiency.

Integrating data from soil monitoring, moisture levels, and climate conditions enables significant water savings while maintaining soil quality and tree health.

Although initial investments are required, the long-term benefits are substantial. Optimised irrigation increases productivity, reduces costs, and supports sustainable resource management, helping ensure the economic viability of olive groves. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Optimized fertilization in olive cultivation is vital to increase yields and achieve high quality fruit while protecting the environment. The modern approach to fertilization is based on the use of advanced technologies such as soil analysis, stabilized fertilizers and precision systems to improve efficiency and minimize nutrient wastage.

Soil analyses are the first and most important step in the approach to optimized fertilization. Through soil analysis, we can understand the actual nutrient needs of the soil and adjust the amount and type of fertilizer required for each area of the grove. This process helps to identify deficiencies or excesses of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and allows the precise application of fertilizer according to the needs of the soil.

Stabilized fertilizers are an innovative solution for fertilizing olive groves. These fertilizers are designed to release nutrients gradually and precisely, preventing losses through erosion or evaporation. By using them, nutrients remain available in the soil for longer periods of time, enhancing their availability to plants and reducing the need for frequent applications.

New technologies such as precision systems and satellite imagery offer excellent possibilities for monitoring plant health and accurately applying fertilizers. Through the use of GPS and satellite systems, farmers can apply fertilizer only where it is needed, avoiding waste and reducing the impact on the environment.

Overall, the combined use of soil analysis, stabilized fertilizers and new technologies allows for a more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly approach to olive fertilization.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Pastured poultry is an alternative method of keeping chickens. In regenerative agriculture, this term refers to chicken portion grazing. 
Depending on the size of the chickens' running area, they stay in one place for 2–3 days. During this time, they eat the youngest parts of plants, fertilize, and aerate the soil by scratching.

Chicken portion grazing mimics how animals move in nature. They eat the best and youngest parts of plants, contribute fertilizer through manure, and slightly mix and loosen the soil. This method is highly effective in improving grassland health. After just one or two grazing sessions, vegetation becomes noticeably lusher.

Since the chickens remain in one place for only a few days, they constantly have clean ground and fresh green feed. They can consume nutrient-rich 
plants, insects, and small stones necessary for digestion. Sunlight and daylight strengthen their immune system. Being naturally curious and sharp birds, they can live as natural a life as possible on the pasture.

In winter, the chickens stay in a large, unheated greenhouse. Chickens are more sensitive to wetness and wind than to low temperatures, and the greenhouse provides excellent protection. Deep bedding helps keep their feet warm.

A short digestive tract ensures that much of the chickens' valuable food and good living conditions contribute to the quality of their eggs. Thanks to their diet of grass and insects, pasture-raised chickens' eggs contain significantly more vitamins and minerals. 

• Richard Perkins | Making Small Farms Work
• Research shows eggs from pastured chickens may be more nutritious
• Rohumaal kana pidamine tõstab linnu elu, muna ja põllu kvaliteeti
• Free-range farming: a natural alternative to produce vitamin D-enriched eggs
• Ahisilla taluaed – Facebook page
• Ahisilla taluaed – Instagram page

Feasibility trials of growing rapeseed after protein peas have demonstrated several practical advantages for farmers. Peas fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil for rapeseed, which reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizers, thereby lowering production costs and GHG emissions. Rapeseed efficiently absorbs the residual nitrogen from peas, resulting in better nutrient utilization and enhanced growth.

Peas leave minimal crop residues, facilitating rapeseed planting without plowing. This rotation improves soil preparation and reduces the risk of phytotoxicity from herbicides, compared to a wheat predecessor. Optimized seeding conditions further promote good rapeseed emergence.

Regarding weed management, cereal regrowth before rapeseed may require a specific grass herbicide, whereas pea regrowth is frost-sensitive and does not pose a major issue. The diversification of rotations with peas also improves weed control at the rotation level, thanks to staggered sowing dates and the use of different herbicide molecules.

Observations revealed no significant differences in sclerotinia levels between pea and cereal precedents, indicating that the pea-rapeseed rotation does not increase disease risk. This helps maintain good crop health without requiring additional fungicide treatments.

Trial results also show that the nitrogen fertilizer requirement for rapeseed is, on average, reduced by 19 kg N/ha after peas compared to cereals. This fertilizer saving, combined with a yield increase of 1.6 quintals per hectare, enhances the profitability of growing rapeseed after peas. Farmers can thus benefit from lower production costs, improved economic performance, and reduced GHG emissions.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Precision farming means adapting measures to the variability of fields and crops. Within a field, conditions can vary greatly, and this depends on severalfactors. One important element is the soil type - the composition of clay, sand and coarse material and this in turn affects the movement of water in the soil. Other things that affect crop conditions are how well-drained the soil is, the soil's organic matter content, previous years' fertilisation, pH value and the crop's access to various plant nutrients. 

There are various measures that can be taken in precision farming. The basis for several of the measures is soil mapping, where soil samples are analysed based on soil type, pH, plant nutrients (P, K, Mg, Ca, Cu) and soil organic matter. 

P and K applications are adjusted based on analyses of available P and K. Control files are then made for the fertiliser spreader so that more nutrients are applied in areas where P and K availability is low and less in areas with good plant nutrient status. Control files can be made in several different programmes, two examples are markkartering.se and markdata.se. Seed can be varied based on clay content and the higher the clay content, the higher the number of seed to get the same number of shoots/m2. Liming can also be adapted based on pH value, clay content and soil organic matter. 

To vary N fertilisation, other data than soil mapping is needed. Several tools are available to calculate the N requirement of the crop, such as N tests or nitrogen stickers. This, combined with satellite images of the biomass of a field, provides a basis for varying N application rates. Maps of biomass, converted from satellite images, are available on Cropsat. On the site, it is also possible to make control files for the fertiliser spreader.

The greater the difference across the field in, for example, clay content, soil content, pH value or nutrient status, the more effect varied inputs of fertiliser, liming and seed will have.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Measures that benefit the environment and climate often improve farm economics by optimizing resource use and efficiency. Greppa Näringen conducted climate calculations using the Vera Klimatkollen tool on a dairy farm to assess the impact of different strategies on climate and economy.

The modeled farm has conventional production with:

• 200 cows
• 240 ha arable land (170 ha grassland/field pasture)
• 50 ha natural pasture
• Grassland, cereals, and whole-crop silage (oats/peas)
• Bull calves and some grain/straw sold

Feed Ration (kg DM/day)

• Ley & whole-crop silage: 10.5
• Beet pulp (molasses dried): 3.6
• Grain: 1.7
• Concentrate/protein mix: 4.3
• ExPro (rapeseed protein): 1.6

Key Figures:

• Milk yield: 10,000 kg ECM
• Young heifers: 130 kg
• Old heifers: 65 kg
• Bull calf sale age: 2 weeks
• Calving age: 27 months
• Recruitment rate: 35%
• Calf mortality: 5%
• Calving interval: 13.2 months
• Milk delivered: 92%
• Forage waste: 15%

Alternative Scenarios

1. Option 2: Replaces soya/palm products with more self-produced feed, lowering the farm’s carbon footprint.
2. Option 3: Focuses on better animal growth, health, and management, reducing recruitment rates, calving ages, and calf mortality.
3. Option 4: Increases milk yield to 12,000 kg ECM per cow with improved management, using more silage but maintaining feed ratios.
4. Option 5: Reduces feed wastage from 15% to 5%, decreasing HP pulp purchases. The freed land is used to grow rapeseed and field beans for sale.
5. Options 6, 7, 8: Combine multiple strategies.

The greatest impacts come from higher milk yields, improved feed conversion, reduced feed waste, and better animal growth and health.

• https://greppa.nu/aktuellt/nyheter/arkiv---nyheter/2024-11-08-klimatatgarder-pa…

Biogas production from manure effectively reduces GHG emissions in agriculture and supports a circular economy through nutrient recycling, with life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies showing an 80% reduction in emissions compared to conventional manure management practices.

Furthermore, Lima et al. (2025) highlights that appropriate handling and treatment of digestate offer additional opportunities to further mitigate environmental impacts. Digestate separation, which divides slurry into an N-rich liquid fraction and a P-rich solid fraction, allows for more precise nutrient application and facilitates the redistribution of the solid P-rich fraction to P-deficient fields, reducing nutrient loss and water contamination. 

The study evaluated six manure management scenarios for environmental assessment. These included a Baseline scenario, representing current practices where slurry digestate is applied locally in the Kalmar region, Sweden, and a Separation scenario, where the phase separated liquid and solid fractions are also applied locally. Additionally, four alternative scenarios explored the transport of the solid fraction to other regions.

The study demonstrates a net reduction of 26.4% in climate impact (GWP) for the Separation scenario compared to Baseline. Additionally, the findings suggest that the separation process can facilitate the transport of the solid fraction over distances of up to approximately 250 km without increasing the environmental burden relative to Baseline scenario. Simultaneously, it enables nutrient redistribution to other catchment areas, helping to mitigate eutrophication in the Baltic Sea.

The separation method evaluated in this study is based on ongoing trials at the More Biogas AB plant, utilising preliminary results on separation efficiencies achieved through screw press and decanter centrifuge treatments. The study also evaluated drying, highlighting that the choice of heating method is crucial for environmental impact and relevance.

• Comparative analysis of manure treatment scenarios on climate change and eutro…

The practice of optimizing crude protein intake in dairy cows (See Figure 3, Measure 16 in CFD AMM library) is a key lever for reducing both ammonia and GHG emissions.

As part of the AUTOPROT project (www.autoprot.eu), it was established that a considerable proportion of the protein produced and fed on the farm is not utilised by the dairy herd. This unutilised protein is of great importance because it increases the risk of ammonia losses. The AUTOPROT project also showed that farms with a high degree of self-sufficiency in protein (protein self-sufficiency) have a lower proportion of unutilised protein. It can be shown mathematically that the unutilised protein corresponds to the luxury consumption of protein by the dairy cattle.

It is known from the literature that high crude protein levels in cattle rations generally lead to increased excretion of nitrogen in the form of urine. It is the urine that is responsible for the escape of ammonia, as urea, the main component of urine, is very quickly converted into ammonia. If the crude protein in the rations is well adapted to the animals' requirements, the animals excrete more nitrogen via faeces, which contributes significantly less to ammonia emissions.

Thanks to a study by Sajeev et al. (2017), it also became known that the potential for reducing ammonia losses in cattle by reducing by 1% the crude protein surplus in the ratio is 17% of the total output.

A key point is the definition of a target value for ration optimisation. According to experts, crude protein levels in the rations of dairy cows can be reduced to a level of 15% in dry matter without any loss in milk yield. In the opinion of the experts, a crude protein content of 14% in the ration is sufficient for young cattle. Based on these considerations, the CONVIS farms in the AUTOPROT project were able to achieve potential savings in NH3 emissions of around 10 kg of nitrogen per ha through ration optimisation. Of these savings, 90% came from ration optimisation

• Technical handbook to calculate protein autonomy in dairy farms, in German (al…
• Technical report about the mitigation potential of ammonia emissions via optim…

European regulations set targets for reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030 and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Each of the sectors of activity must commit to this reduction and put in place practices to reduce their contributions. Poultry farming is a particularly low-emission livestock sector. In France, poultry farming accounts for 0.5% of GHG emissions from livestock farming. The main sources of GHG emissions on a poultry farm are limited to the fermentation of manure, the combustion of fossil energies and the production of ammonia which, through recombination, gives nitrous oxide, a GHG with a strong warming power. Simulations have been carried out for the reducing of the carbon footprint of several layers systems, through the tool CAP’2ER®.

Energy consumption can be reduced by installing LED lighting or by better controlling consumption through the installation of a meter. Estimated GHG reductions range from 0.2 to 2%.

Practices related to manure management include the pre-drying of manure in buildings with frequent evacuation on a manure belt, and the installation of an outdoor drying tunnel. These techniques make it possible to quickly dry the droppings, avoiding the emission of atmospheric pollutants, in particular nitrous oxide or ammonia. The expected GHG reductions range from 3 to 10% for pre-drying in buildings and from 7 to 29% for the outdoor drying tunnel.

Intermediate techniques that affect ammonia emissions have also been simulated, since they also reduce nitrous oxide emissions. These are air washing and misting. The implementation of these levers makes it possible to reduce the carbon footprint by 2 to 19%.

These techniques also need to be repositioned in the context of the farm, the farming system (e.g. layers in cages or on the ground), and the farmer's investment possibilities.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

Reducing emissions from barns is a key environmental and welfare goal. Cattle housings emit methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), in large part due to manure. NH₃ volatilizes easily due to soluble N and pH > 7.

Barn Emissions: Key Factors

1.Housing and Floors

• In loose housing, bedding reduces NH₃ but may increase N₂O due to nitrification and denitrification
• Solid and slatted floors have similar emissions; earthen floors have the highest N₂O emissions

2. Environment

• On average, NH₃ rise by ~0.037 g/livestock unit/day for each +1°C temperature increase (See Çinar et al. (2023))
• Farms in wet climates emit less NH₃ than those in dry climates

3. Diet

• Overfeeding protein increases N excretion, mostly as urea, causing NH₃ and N₂O emissions. Dairy cattle generally emit more N₂O than beef cattle due to high N diet
• Low starch increases N losses; balanced energy-protein ratios reduce emissions.

Recommendations for Farmers

1. Optimized Barns

• Avoid earthen floors; solid/slatted floors are equally viable if kept sufficiently clean
• Cubicles with frequent manure removal, minimizing the time the urease enzyme of the feces converts urine urea to NH₃, balance emissions and operations (see videos)
• Use animal-friendly cleaning to increase cleaning and minimizeinjury
• Minimize barn manure storage to lower CH4

2. Climate Control

• Maintain good control over energy consumption (except for natural ventilation) to keep a low carbon footprint
• Insulate roofs and provide shade to reduce heat in summer
• Focus on NH₃ mitigation and N₂O reduction in dry and wet climates respectively

3. Adjust Diets

• Reduce protein (CP) to 12–14% for dairy cattle and 10–12% for beef cattle, ensuring balanced energy and aminoacids
• Adopt precision feeding to match CP intake to herd needs
• Use high-quality forage and test feed regularly to ensure high N assimilation and digestibility, reducing N and CH₄ emissions.

• Effects of environmental and housing system factors on ammonia and greenhouse …
• The terms used are consistent with the glossary of the Recycling Agricultural,…
• EmiMin project - Ammonia emission reduction - flooring for solid paved dairy b…
• EmiMin project - Ammonia emission reduction - perforated floors with slit seal…

One of the key mitigation measures gaining popularity among beef pilot demo farmers in Ireland is reducing the age of slaughter. This action not only lowers total farm GHG emissions but also allows farmers to increase profitability by selling animals earlier. At a recent farm walk, Gareth Peoples set a goal to reduce the slaughter age from 27 months to 24 months.

Reducing slaughter age by three months can cut methane emissions by approximately 19 kg per animal over its lifetime. Since methane is more harmful than CO₂, this reduction is a valuable climate achievement.

Gareth explained that achieving greater weights at younger ages depends on several factors. Hitting key targets at weaning, yearling, and finishing stages ensures animals stay on track for optimal performance. He emphasized the importance of selecting dairy beef calves with higher genetic merit, using the Dairy Beef Index to purchase better-quality stock, focusing on carcass weight and conformation.

Another major advantage is the cost savings associated with earlier finishing. Farmers benefit from lower feed costs and reduced enteric fermentation emissions. To ensure continuous animal growth, farmers must focus on calf rearing, housing, and spring grassland management.

The demo event in Donegal highlighted the importance of adaptation and mitigation measures for reducing on-farm emissions. It also reinforced the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration in advancing sustainable agriculture through climate-smart farming.

Upcoming events in Ireland and across Europe will allow farmers to exchange insights, learn from each other, and work collectively toward a more resilient, climate-smart agricultural sector.

• Dairy Beef 500 Walk

When organizing a demonstration event, you want your key message to come across clearly and stick with the participants. A powerful tool to reinforce your key message is the use of props. The word “prop” is borrowed from the theater and movie industry, where it refers to a “movable article or object used on the set of a movie or play.” Furthermore, it is also defined as “a support to keep something from shaking or falling.” Building on these definitions, in demonstration events, we refer to a “prop” as “an object that supports or emphasizes the key message during a demonstration.”

Props can take many forms, such as information boards, soil samples, feed samples, a harvester, or even a cow. The main idea is that they are simple and enhance understanding of the key message at a glance. For example, when you want to stress the importance of making quality silage to reduce feed costs, a bale of silage can be presented alongside a meal. Or, when explaining different plots on a farm, participants can be provided with a simple map of the plots and their characteristics.

By using a prop, the learning retention rate of participants can be doubled to 20%, compared to a simple lecture, which has a retention rate of 10%. But, if you want to significantly increase the retention rate to 75%, you can introduce a prop that participants can actively engage with. For example, if you want to discuss the difference between multiple varieties of forage, you can present different samples that participants can feel, smell, taste, etc., along with a description of their characteristics. Or, when discussing the quality of a clover field, a clover scorecard can be handed out to the participants to help them judge the clover content in a grass/clover sward. 

• ClimateFarmDemo- Demo Design Guide for On-farm Demonstrations
• FarmDemo Training Kit

Organic farming offers a systemic approach for climate mitigation and adaptation while sustaining healthy soils and protecting biodiversity. 
Organic agriculture reduces greenhouse gas emissions by refraining from the use of synthetic fertilizer and pesticides and using less energy. 
Common organic practices like crop rotations including legumes, cover crops or reduced tillage help to improve soil quality and fertility while also contributing to higher soil organic carbon stocks. These practices also support species protection and increase biodiversity as well as support ecosystem functions. Overall, the holistic approach of organic leads to more resilient farming systems.

However, organic farmers face some limitations under existing rewarding mechanisms for their climate action.

Carbon farming schemes typically only reward “additional” efforts. This is a barrier for first movers, like organic farmers, as they often have already built up soil organic carbon stocks. Their past efforts are not recognized and the maintenance of soil carbon is not incentivized. 
 

In many cases, existing carbon farming schemes have a narrow approach. They do not take a whole farm approach and a carbon balance at farm level. Instead, they focus on efficiency and only on specific aspects like soil organic carbon. Externalities of the farming system, including biodiversity and ecosystem services, are often neglected. 

Current rewarding mechanisms often do not remunerate farmers proportionally to the environmental benefits they provide. For example, in some EU Member States organic farmers have restricted access to environmental payments of the CAP due to the alleged issue of double funding. 

To ensure organic farmers are rewarded appropriately, mechanisms 
should:

• take a systemic, whole farm approach to rewarding climate action.
• compensate proportionally for providing environmental benefits.
• recognize the efforts of first movers and support the maintenance of 
  carbon soil.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/rewarding-mechanisms/?e-filter-d1…

The Label Bas-Carbone is a voluntary climate certification framework established by the French government to support projects that contribute 
to greenhouse gas emission reductions and carbon sequestration in France. It provides a structured approach to monitoring, reporting, and verifying carbon reductions or removals, ensuring transparency and credibility in the national voluntary carbon market. Farmers, farm advisors, and other agricultural operators can utilize this mechanism to adopt sustainable practices while securing financial rewards from private, public, or mixed funding sources.

The Label Bas-Carbone framework operates on a result-based rewarding method, meaning that financial compensation is tied to measurable environmental outcomes. Farmers implementing low-carbon practices must conduct a carbon audit at the start of the project and another at the end to assess progress. These practices fall under six approved farming methodologies and include actions such as reducing mineral fertilizer use in field crops, optimizing herd management in livestock farming, decreasing reliance on imported soybean feed, using cover crops, and planting hedges. Project proposals must be approved by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, and independent auditors assess progress throughout the project cycle. Once the certification is obtained, project developers and their partners can contract with financiers to pay for the change of practices. Contracts are negotiated over the counter, but it has been observed that funding for agricultural projects is around €40-60/tCO2. 

The governance of the Label Bas-Carbone is managed by the French Ministry of the Environment, which oversees the approval of methodologies, 
ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and supervises the work of third-party auditors. By leveraging this framework, farmers can contribute to climate mitigation efforts, enhance farm sustainability, and access new revenue streams within the carbon market.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/rewarding-mechanisms/?e-filter-d1…

The measures for reducing diesel consumption are very diverse, some are very easy to implement, while others only need to be considered when purchasing the next machine. However, all measures have one thing in common: the comprehensive knowledge of the farm manager and active implementation in practice are the prerequisites for successful fuel savings.

Regardless of whether you implement just one measure in your business or several - the fact is that every litre of diesel consumed unnecessarily has a negative impact on the carbon footprint and the economic results of your business. It is therefore very important to include fuel-saving solutions in your daily decision-making.

The greatest potential savings are: 

1. 70-80 % E-mobility
2. 10-20 % Controlled traffic farming
3. 10-15 % Electric drives
4. 25-30 % Working width and working depth
5. 10-15 % Tyre pressure
6. 15-20 % Transmission
7. 15-20 % Engine
8. 5-10 % Maintenance
9. 5-10 % Ballasting
10. Taking a soil sample - your start for more vitality and efficiency in the field

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

The Soil Scanner is an innovative tool that uses light reflection-based analysis to analyze the soil’s chemical and physical properties via a "dry" method. This offers a faster and more convenient alternative to traditional "wet" laboratory techniques. The scanner measures soil pH, organic matter content (humus), soil texture (clay content), and major macronutrients (N, P, K).

• It categorizes soil pH (H2O and KCl) to ensure optimal conditions for crop production.
• Provides clay content as a percentage, indicating soil texture and water retention capacity.
• Measures organic carbon content, allowing for precise estimation of humus levels.

This tool is especially useful for farmers needing rapid decisions on nutrient management and soil sustainability while reducing environmental impact.
The practical use of the Soil Scanner involves several key steps. The farmer or advisor takes the soil measurement, and the advisor then interprets the results and integrates them into farm decision-making. Researchers may assist in data analysis for more refined soil management recommendations. 
Based on the data, a time- and location-specific nutrient management plan is developed, and the farmer implements the recommended soil treatment plan.

The CODECS annual workshop at Széchenyi István University on November 21, 2024, brought together 22 participants to explore minimum tillage, precision farming, soil testing, and agro-digitalization. Key benefits of digital soil scanners include improved farm management, reduced input costs, better financial predictability, and environmental gains like lower emissions and enhanced biodiversity. Challenges include high investment costs, limited advisor support, and a need for more vocational training and youth involvement in agriculture. 

• ERASMUS+ WISEFARMER
• SoilCares
• Czernozjom
• CODECS - Innovative Soil Scanner Technology for Sustainable Agriculture

By continuously experimenting and adapting, Stijn De Wulf, one of the 
Belgium Pilot Demo Farmers was able to manage sustainable farming with 
improved soil health and productivity.
Main Findings:

1. Transition to Sustainable Practices: Stijn De Wulf shifted from 
traditional plowing to non-inversion tillage, complex cover crops, and 
smart crop combinations. This transition was challenging but has 
shown positive effects in the field.

2. Reduction in Chemical Inputs: Stijn has significantly reduced the use 
of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. He now grows his own animal 
feed autonomously and uses organic manure as a valuable resource.

3. Improved Soil Health: The changes in soil management have led to 
better soil structure and fertility, with visible improvements in crop 
yields and resilience.

Innovative Solutions:
1. Complex Cover Crops: These consist of at least 7-9 components, 
enhancing soil biology and plant resilience. They help break soil 
compaction, improve nutrient and water availability, and provide 
additional benefits like weed suppression and carbon storage.
2. Direct Seeding Machine: Demonstrated by Bert Defruyt, this 
machine combines strip-till and direct seeding techniques, reducing 
soil disturbance and preserving soil moisture. It works on various soil 
types and allows for immediate seeding after crops like wheat, beets, 
and maize.
3. Carbon Farming: This involves adopting climate-friendly practices 
that enhance carbon sequestration in soils and reduce greenhouse 
gas emissions. Farmers can receive compensation through ecoschemes and private markets for implementing these practices.
Conclusion: Stijn De Wulf’s approach highlights the importance of tailored 
soil management practices. By continuously experimenting and adapting, 
he has achieved sustainable farming with improved soil health and 
productivity

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/pilot-demo-farm/?e-filter-d1c5a74…

Stubble crops are sown after the harvest of cereals, early potatoes, and catch crops. Sowing stubble crops in the crop rotation has several advantages: it improves the rotation, prevents the deterioration of soil structure in the summer due to heat and summer storms, produces additional fodder for livestock, and prevents the spread of diseases and pests.

By sowing stubble crops, we reduce weed infestation, improve soil aeration and the humus balance, lessen the negative effects of rain, sun, and wind on soil structure, prevent the leaching of nutrients (especially nitrogen) into groundwater, improve the farm’s feed balance, provide bees with rich pasture in the autumn, and benefit from biofumigation, which has a suppressive effect on certain soil pests. Mixtures of several stubble crops also contribute to greater biodiversity.

Stubble crops are important because they enhance the visual appearance of the landscape. They can be sown without ploughing, using only shallow surface tillage. Stubble crops are grown for human consumption, animal feed, and green cover. Their importance is even greater in areas where manure is not ploughed in.

For human consumption, buckwheat, millet, stubble turnip, or beetroot are sown. For animal feed, the most sown crops include multi-flowered ryegrass, red clover, vetch, black clover, fodder rape, alfalfa, and clover-grass mixtures. For green cover, oil radish, white mustard, sunflowers, phacelia, and plant mixtures are used.

Stubble crops can be either winter or non-winter varieties.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

In the Climate Farm Demo, Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication (DEC) play an important role in communicating climatesmart farming practices. To support this, a storytelling-based approach has been developed to turn complex research and data into compelling, relatable stories that resonate with farmers, advisors, policymakers, and the public.

This method helps present real-life impacts of climate-smart practices, making the benefits more accessible and engaging. The approach is structured around three main components:

Step 1: Identify Relevant Information (See Message Box)
Use the Message Box to define key elements of your story:

• Audience – Who are you trying to reach?
• Problem – What challenge are they facing?
• So what? – Why does this matter to them?
• Solution – What climate-smart practice or innovation helps?
• Benefit – What difference does this solution make?

Step 2: Build the Narrative (4-Step Story Structure)
Craft a powerful story using these elements:

• Setting – What is the current situation or knowledge level?
• Characters –
  • Villain: e.g., climate change, extreme weather
  • Victim: e.g., the farmer or ecosystem under threat
  • Hero: e.g., a climate-smart solution like no-till or cover cropping
• Plot – Describe how the villain affects the victim using real evidence.
• Moral – Show how the solution (hero) helps and share a clear takeaway.

Step 3: Structure the Story for Engagement
Organize your story to maximize impact:

• Section 1: Introduce the problem and the characters
• Section 2: Share who, where, when, and the solution
• Section 3: Provide background and key evidence
• Section 4: Conclude with how the issue is solved and what action is needed

This storytelling method has been integrated into DEC training and support materials within CFD to strengthen demonstration events and farmer engagement. Stories make technical solutions personal and memorable helping inspire real change on farms across Europe.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

The main purpose of deep tillage is to break through the silt, which is created by many years of tillage at the same depth. Silt is a compacted, impenetrable layer of soil that stops air circulation and, above all, water draining into the depths. The positive effects of such deep tillage are soil drainage, soil aeration, and thus stimulating soil microbiological activity. 
When we loosen the soil, we achieve that the soil is less compacted and enable easier root growth into deeper layers of the soil. It is known that if the roots cannot break through the silt, they redirect their growth horizontally and continue to grow. If we have a dry period, this is very bad, because they do not reach the deeper layers of the soil, which still retain a certain amount of water, and therefore suffer drought stress more quickly. In periods of high rainfall, silt also causes water to stagnate on the surface of the soil. With deep tillage, we can alleviate this stagnation, because we loosen the soil deeply, break through the silt, and therefore the water drains faster. Also, certain versions of deep tillers have a drainage cone installed behind the head of the tiller, which creates a natural tube in the depth, which serves to drain water from the surface into the nearest drainage ditches. This measure is much more effective if we start with the processing itself next to the water drainage ditch and then process inland. This directs the flow of water into the ditch. When we deeply loosen the soil, we bring air into the depth of the soil. Air allows faster reproduction and activity of microorganisms in the soil. When we have good activity of microorganisms, we also have more nutrients available to plants. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Poor soil management leads to degradation and inefficient water use in agriculture. This document presents sustainable strategies to improve fertility and water retention, ensuring higher productivity and long-term sustainability. The study highlights the benefits of using organic amendments, reduced tillage, and cover crops. These techniques increase organic matter, improve soil structure, and enhance water infiltration, reducing erosion and the need for chemical inputs. Farmers can adopt these methods to improve crop yields, reduce costs, and strengthen climate resilience.

Sustainable soil management is essential for climate adaptation in agriculture. Reduced tillage, organic amendments, and cover crops enhance water retention, reduce erosion, and improve microbial biodiversity. These strategies have proven effective in Mediterranean and semi-arid systems where water is a limiting factor. Their adoption can lead to lower input costs, more stable yields, and increased crop resilience against extreme weather events. Additionally, these practices contribute to climate change mitigation by increasing soil carbon sequestration.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

The Albert Kázmér Faculty of Széchenyi István University operates a network of approximately 70 demonstration farms, model farms, and recognized training sites, providing a comprehensive practical demonstration and knowledge transfer infrastructure.

The network consists of diverse and innovative farms and enterprises, ranging from small, specialized farms to large multi-sector agribusinesses. 
Members are engaged in various agricultural sectors, including livestock farming, mixed farming, arable crop production, horticulture, the food industry, and agricultural finance. 12% of the network farms operate under organic farming principles.
The Faculty actively collaborates with network members, engaging in joint projects and research with partners committed to innovation, sustainability, and digitalization.

Many demonstration farms apply a holistic, circular farming approach, ensuring efficient resource use and long-term sustainability.

The demonstration farms serve as living laboratories, allowing for the realworld testing and implementation of climate adaptation solutions, precision farming techniques, and sustainable soil management practices. 
Participants gain not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience with cutting-edge agricultural technologies, equipping them with practical skills for sustainable and modern farming.

• SZE - Department of Food Science

Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture

Benefits of Carbon Sequestration:

• Improvement of Soil Health: Carbon sequestration enhances soil health by improving soil structure, water retention, and nutrient 
  availability.
• Reduction of Carbon Footprint: By sequestering carbon, the agricultural sector can contribute to the reduction of overall CO2 emissions.
• Financial Benefits: Farmers can financially benefit from carbon sequestration by participating in carbon farming projects and selling carbon credits.
• Support for Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Carbon sequestration promotes the use of sustainable agricultural practices such as cover crops, compost, and organic fertilizers.

Ways Carbon Can Be Sequestered in Agriculture:

• In the Soil: Through crop residues, roots, and animal manure, organic material enters the soil, where soil organisms partially break it down. Some of the carbon forms stable organic matter that remains in the soil for a long time.
• In Living Plants (Trees): For example, through agroforestry, where carbon is sequestered in the biomass of trees as long as the trees remain standing.
• In Processed Biomass: Such as building materials made from hemp, which sequester carbon for a long time.

Factors Affecting Carbon Sequestration:

• The effectiveness of carbon sequestration in the soil depends on factors such as moisture availability, temperature, clay content, soil structure, pH, and soil life. Clay soils generally have a higher carbon sequestration capacity than sandy soils.

Effective Measures for Carbon Sequestration: To increase the amount of organic matter in the soil, there are two options:

• Increase Organic Matter Input: For example, by using cover crops, compost, and solid manure.
• Reduce Organic Matter Decomposition: For example, by leaving crop residues on the land.

• Brochure: Koolstofvastlegging in bodem, bomen en bouwmateriaal

Cover crops improve soil quality and boost agricultural productivity. They are often planted during fallow periods, like winter or post-harvest, to prevent bare soil and reduce erosion. Cover crops offer numerous benefits for soil and climate.

They enrich soil with nutrients like nitrogen, add organic matter, and enhance soil structure. This improves water retention, making soil more resilient to drought and heavy rainfall. Cover crops also suppress weeds by covering the soil and competing with unwanted plants, reducing the need for herbicides.

Another key advantage is erosion prevention. Cover crop roots anchor soil, preventing erosion, especially on slopes or areas prone to wind and water erosion. By reducing erosion, they help maintain long-term soil fertility.

Cover crops promote biodiversity by attracting pollinators and pest predators, reducing pesticide reliance, and supporting a healthier ecosystem.

They also aid in climate mitigation and adaptation. By sequestering carbon in the soil, they reduce CO₂ levels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

Additionally, they fix nitrogen, reducing nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.

Healthier soil with more organic matter retains water better, helping farms withstand extreme weather. This reduces the impact of droughts and floods on agricultural productivity and contributes to long-term sustainable food production.

Different cover crops serve specific needs. Clover fixes nitrogen and improves soil structure, buckwheat grows quickly and suppresses weeds, winter rye enhances weed control and soil structure, phacelia attracts pollinators, and mustard reduces soil diseases while boosting biodiversity.

• Video of demo event in the Netherlands on green manure.

The Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation (EU/2024/3012) is a voluntary certification framework introduced by the EU to support climate efforts by offering farmers an additional income source. Aligned with the EU Commission’s Vision for Sustainable Agriculture, CRCF provides more incentives (carrots) and fewer rules (sticks). It enhances transparency and reduces greenwashing by establishing EU-wide quality criteria and monitoring processes. The regulation categorizes certificates into permanent carbon removals, carbon storage in products, carbon farming removals, and soil emission reductions, with standardized procedures for third-party verification, certification, and registration.

Carbon farming practices include agroforestry, peatland restoration, use of cover crops, reduced fertilizer use, and biodiversity-focused reforestation. Methodologies describing MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) will be drafted by the EU Commission and published via delegated acts. The certification process builds on the Renewable Energy Directive, enabling compliance through audits, registries, and standardized baselines. Copernicus satellite data and remote sensing will make monitoring costeffective and ensure data accuracy.

The CRCF introduces group certification for small-scale farmers and foresters, enabling verified carbon credits through sustainable practices and innovation. It aims to reduce the admin burden by using group certification and bioenergy certification models. While it currently covers only soilrelated emissions, methane reductions from livestock could be included from 2027.

Though use-cases are not specified, CRCF is expected to benefit farmers, foresters, agri-food businesses, policymakers, and advisors by incentivizing sustainable practices and shaping climate policy. It supports a scalable, transparent carbon removal market in the EU, rewarding nature-inclusive land management.

• Regulation (EU) 2024/3012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 …

There has been growing concern about the efficient use of water in the agricultural sector, particularly in the Mediterranean region, but not excluding other areas of Europe. With increasing pressure from drought scenarios, unpredictable rainfall or other extreme climatic events, the valorization and management of this resource has become increasingly urgent.

Water management varies by region. While in the Mediterranean Basin, reduced rainfall causes water scarcity, that leads to water restrictions for agriculture, in Belgium, drainage systems are outdated and hinder water retention with the current (reduced) average rainfall, and in the Netherlands, rising sea levels increase water salinity.

Water management thematic area can be segmented into quantity and quality, impacting four key areas:

• On-Farm Water Management | Efficient use depends on farm type, irrigation systems, farming practices, and monitoring techniques. 
  Adoption of new technologies and investment in irrigation equipment are crucial.
• Infrastructure & Distribution | Water availability is influenced by regional/national systems adapted to the local needs. These systems need to be maintained to be efficient.
• Regulation and investment mechanisms | Efficiency is shapedthrough (1) policies, incentives, and regulations adapted to local needs, (2) public investment in water infrastructure, (3) crisis management and contingency plans and (4) alternative water sources (re-used, desalinated).
• Climate Change Impact | Changing weather patterns affect water availability, requiring new practices, technologies, and mindsets to ensure long-term sustainability.

Efficient water management is key to food security and agricultural sustainability, demanding the implementation of new practices, theinvestment in infrastructure, technology, and adapted regulations to build climate resilience.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Slurry separation is the mechanical division of livestock slurry or digestate,to create a liquid and solid fraction. 

Three common methods of separation used on farm include:

1. Screw press
2. Roller screen press
3. Decanting centrifuge 

The efficiency of the separator to remove dry matter (DM) into the solid fraction underpins the association of nutrients into the relevant fractions. 
Typically, the liquid fraction is characterised by low DM, high readily available nitrogen (N) and low phosphorus (P) and carbon content. The solid fraction has a higher DM, and P content, and has been acknowledged for its potential benefits to improve soil quality indicators such as water holding capacity, aggregate stability and drainage. Typical UK values for separated organic materials are presented in the AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209). 

The partitioning of P into the solid fraction can benefit the farmer insupporting the potential use of separated solids to maintain or build up soil P levels without over-applying N, and the potential for P-rich solids to be removed from an area with excess soil P.

Ultimately, farmers are faced with a trade-off between the cost and availability of separation methods. Centrifuge separators are reportedly the most effective at creating a phosphate (PO4-) rich solid material. However, this technique is the most expensive per tonne of separated material, has the highest electricity demand, is the most expensive to install, and has a lower throughput of slurry compared to a screw press. It is for farmers to assess which technology is best suited for their slurry management based on their business and regulatory requirements. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

The Climate Farm Demo (CFD) project promotes Climate Smart Farming Practices across 26 countries, involving 1,500 farmers and 250+ advisors. To ensure effective implementation, the project relies on National Coordinators (NCs), who serve as the crucial link between the European management team and national agricultural networks.

The NC's main responsibilities include:

• Facilitating smooth communication between the European team and national stakeholders.
• Reporting challenges and progress from their country to the project management team.
• Ensuring all project documents are accessible in the local language.
• Managing the national network by organizing knowledge exchange events and maintaining advisor and farmer engagement.
• Supporting and monitoring national partners in carrying out their expected tasks.
• Expanding the project's reach by engaging policymakers, researchers, and farmers through effective communication.
• Contributing to policy development by working with national and regional authorities.

NCs may have expertise in specific agricultural fields, but they are not required to be specialists in all aspects of climate adaptation and mitigation. 
However, their role has certain limitations:

• They do not have decision-making authority over national partners.
• They cannot provide specialized training outside their expertise.
• If solely acting as NCs, they are not directly responsible for audits, adaptation plans, or demonstration events.

Overall, NCs play a vital role in ensuring the project's success by bridging communication gaps, supporting local stakeholders, and broadening the impact of climate-smart farming initiatives.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

During the DEMO organised in 2024 at Florent's, one of the ‘Pilot Demo Farmers’ involved in the Climate Farm Demo project and supported by the Chamber of Agriculture, we experienced the benefits of combining the environment (CAP2ER®) and the economy (COUPROD®). This breeder of Limousin cows is an ‘animal farmer’ at heart, but that doesn't prevent him from paying close attention to his environmental and economic performance! The CAP'2ER® audit enabled Florent to rationalise his crop rotation and refine his mechanisation strategy. As a result, he has reduced his stocking rate by increasing the amount of permanent grassland and has reduced his mineral nitrogen inputs by 25% in 5 years. His aim is to develop his protein autonomy through wet harvesting, to continue growing legumes (clover) and cover crops (fodder rye), and to increase the grazing period. Thanks to the genetic management of the herd, Florent can sort his animals quickly and adjust the mating schedule. COUPROD® has enabled him to improve the productivity of his livestock units.  He aims at reaching an age at 1st calving of 30 months, to reduce the number of livestock units (LU) per calving to less than 1.6 and to maintain the Calving-Calving Interval at 365-370days. Finally, Florent has invested in decarbonising energy on his farm, by equipping the roof of a storage building with photovoltaic panels, enabling him to be self-sufficient in electricity for the farm and the home (saving €1,000 a year on the electricity bill) and selling 145,000kWh under contract per year (933 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided over 25 years). This combined approach (CAP'2ER® + COUPROD®) has enabled Florent to achieve a number of important objectives :1/a carbon footprint that is better than the average for comparable farms; 2/an improvement in the productivity of livestock (+34kg/livestock unit in 4 years); 3/the introduction of a more extensive grazing and grassland system; 4/self-sufficiency in electricity thanks to the panels.

• Florent MELIAND Perche Sélection Pilot Demo Farm
• CAP'2ER® - Calcul Automatisé des Performances Environnementales pour des Exploi…
• COUPROD - Un outil de calcul et de diagnostic des coûts de production toutes f…
• PARCOURS BAS CARBONE
• Magazine article in Calameo
• Florent Meliand (72) a extensifié son système et amélioré ses performances éco…
• Fermes Bas Carbone - Zoom sur le dispositif dans le 72
• Solenat – Facebook page
• Solenat – website

Why Soils Matter

Arable soils are the foundation of farming across the EU, crucial for fertility, productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Soils are now central to climate debates due to their role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and supporting resilient agriculture. Scientists are developing methods to quantify soil organic carbon (SOC) for climate mitigation, while policymakers explore carbon credit schemes. Farmers are increasingly interested in carbon farming as a potential income source.

Effects of Climate Change on Soils
Climate change poses challenges to soil health, including:

• Increased erosion and nutrient leaching from heavy rainfall and extreme weather
• Frequent waterlogging or droughts, impacting plant productivity
• Greater pest pressure and altered microbial activity due to temperature changes
• Faster decomposition of soil organic matter under warmer conditions
• Negative impacts on soil structure and stability

Investing in soil health is essential to preserve ecosystems and maintain productivity.

How to Build Healthy and Fertile Soils

Building healthy soil takes time. Long-term studies, like Switzerland’s DOK trial, show that biodynamic and organic practices can sequester more SOC than conventional systems. Farmers can apply two strategies to stabilize or increase carbon in soils: (a) increase carbon inputs (e.g., cover crops, compost) and/or (b) reduce carbon losses (e.g., reduced tillage, rewetting peatlands).

Soil and Climate Goals

While SOC is often seen as a solution to the climate crisis, challenges remain—measuring, verifying, ensuring additionality, permanence, and addressing leakage and sequestration potential. SOC is not a simple fix, but carbon farming can increase farmer engagement and foster sustainable practices.

Balancing climate goals with other sustainability aspects supports the longterm health and fertility of soils.
 

• EEA Europe (2015): Soil and climate change. Infographic.
• The state of soils in Europe – Fully evidenced, spatially organised assessment…
• Soil and climate. Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Frick.
• The DOK trial: a 45 years comparative study of organic and conventional croppi…
• Agricultural limitations to soil carbon sequestration: Plant growth, microbial…
• Carbon farming: Are soil carbon certificates a suitable tool for climate chang…

Providing better lighting in dairy setups can increase yields by 10%. Milking cows exposed to light levels over 150 lux for 16 hours a day can increase yields by 8–13%, as increased daylight reduces the cows’ melatonin levels. This, in turn, enables more of their naturally occurring milk-producing hormones to be secreted. However, it is also important to provide 8 hours of darkness to optimise the cows’ circadian rhythm, which improves health and reproductive performance.

Farmers must take care when measuring light. It is important to take measurements at cow level, ideally with sensors that automatically activate the lighting systems. A common mistake is placing lights only above the feed passage and not distributing them evenly throughout the cubicle building. A cow typically spends only 3–4 hours per day at the feed barrier but rests in a cubicle for 12–16+ hours per day. If lighting is inadequate in the cubicles, where the cow spends most of her time, she will not be exposed to the required photoperiod.

Red night lights may be used to facilitate cow movement and observation during darkness. The intensity of red light has minimal or no effect on the cows’ perception of darkness and thus does not significantly impact melatonin secretion. There should be no brighter lights in any part of the barn, and cows need 2–4 weeks on average to adjust.

LED lights with blue-enriched white light (400–500 nm) are an ideal light source and help reduce energy costs. These can also be incorporated into units that provide red night lights. Optimising the light spectrum and photoperiod helps regulate the cows’ circadian rhythm by mimicking summer daylight conditions, which stimulates feed intake and milk production. Red night lights also improve fertility and general well-being, while providing a better environment for farm workers and aiding in heat detection.

Ideal LED lighting: more yield, better welfare, more profit, lower costs, and a reduced carbon footprint.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/other-cross-cutting-topics/?e-fil…

To facilitate knowledge exchange on climate smart farming practices and climate smart advice, the ClimateFarmDemo project has identified 19 thematic areas on which good practices can be exchanged between actors across the different national networks. 12 thematic areas focus on adaptation and mitigation of climate change, with topics ranging from energy management, manure management, over crops management and soil health to agroforestry. The other 7 thematic areas focus on agricultural sectors, namely pig, poultry, arable, fruit, vegetable, protein and oil seed, and organic sector. 

Each thematic area is represented by a thematic leader, selected based on their expertise on the topic. The thematic leaders are responsible for the organization of online or in-person knowledge exchange events. Together with the Climate Smart Advisors project, which also appointed thematic leaders according to the 12 adaptation and mitigation thematic areas, the aim is to organize least 2 online thematic knowledge exchange events per year. These events can be dedicated to consortium members only or be opened to a wider farmer and advisors’ audience. They usually include a presentation of an expert or a testimony from a practitioner combined with an interactive session to facilitate discussion between the participants and the experts.

The knowledge exchange events are announced:

• on the events calendar on the ClimateFarmDemo website (https://climatefarmdemo.eu/cfd/en/#/events),
• through social media and via the external newsletter (subscribe here for receiving the project’s newsletter: https://climatefarmdemo.eu/category/updates/newsletter/).

The knowledge exchange events are recorded and made publicly availableon the FarmDemo YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Z63eiDNmo&list=PLOYrtkIDkcdTCsFp
sc0I8Pq88gMGYLVVV.

• Climate Farm Demo events calendar
• Farm Demo YouTube Channel

Having identified the objectives for your demo event, and established an organizing group, consulted with the host farmer and other stakeholders the next step for the advisor is to consider the various practical steps required to deliver the demo event. This practice abstract will provide guidance to all advisors from registering to reporting on demo events. 

1. Step 1. Identifying your focus- define why you are organizing an event
2. Step 2. Build your team- it is impossible to cover all aspects of the farm event by yourself
3. Step 3. Consider you target audience- In the led up to the event you should anticipate who will be the audience
4. Step 4. Select/discuss topics with your host farmer- Ideally the topic is something the farmer has excelled at and will stand out on the day
5. Step 5. Register the event on the project website
6. Step 6. Define your content- Discuss with the farmer. Use research findings to reinforce on farm situations/experiences
7. Step 7. Complete a Health and Safety Check- Walk the farm prior to the event and complete a checklist.
8. Step 8. Ensure you have informative board- Focus on 2-3 learning outcomes/key messages
9. Step 9. Advertise your event with location, time and topics- Local papers/radio, messages to existing clients or farmers in the locality.
10. Step 10. Complete your final checks- sound check, practice dry run, know when to interact with audience at certain stops and identify opportunities to break the groups into small numbers to make farmers more comfortable.  

• ClimateFarmDemo- Demo Design Guide for On-farm Demonstrations

Most European farmers face climatic hazards on their farms due to climate change. This climatic instability makes multi-year projections difficult. To help advisors understand what farmers are experiencing, we developed a simple climate adaptation tool in an Excel sheet during the project. One of the goals was to keep it simple to discuss climate change without adding too many questions to the already planned mitigation audit.

This is a questionnaire divided into four parts. The first part describes the farm’s production. The second part, titled “Climatic Risks,” aims to determine whether the farmer has experienced more climatic incidents in the past five years than before (such as drought, excess water, frost, storm damage, or biotic stress) and how these have impacted their livestock or crop production.

The third part covers farm-specific characteristics related to adaptation of climate change, such as climate insurance, access to irrigation, and soil type. The final section addresses practices the farmer has already tested on the farm.

This short survey has two objectives: quantifying climatic incidents at the farm level and opening a discussion with the farmer on adaptation in a simple way. It is linked to the adaptation measures library also developed during the project. In this way, advisors can suggest tailored measures to farmers and contribute practical examples from the field to enrich the library.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Biochar is a porous, carbon-rich material that is produced when plant biomass is heated at very high temperatures in the absence of air (pyrolysis). 
During this process, a large proportion of the carbon that was originally bound in the plants is not released into the atmosphere as CO₂ but remains stably bound in the biochar for many years. In this way, it can actively contribute to climate protection and optimize the carbon footprint of agricultural farms.

Soil fertility plays a decisive role in yield stability. Biochar can make a positive contribution to this by promoting water retention and optimizing soil aeration. In addition, biochar can bind nutrients and so contribute to higher nutrient availability. This can reduce the leaching of nutrients and lower the need for synthetic fertilizers. One practical way of applying biochar is to use it as a manure additive. 

One advantage of using biochar in cattle farming is the optimization of animal health. Biochar can be used as a feed additive to support the animals' digestive tract. It binds toxins, harmful substances and gases in the gastrointestinal tract. This can prevent illness and promote the general health of the animals. Biochar can also be used as bedding, e.g. in dairy farming. Due to the ability of biochar to absorb moisture and dirt, the lying surfaces remain drier. This can inhibit the growth of bacteria and other pathogens and thus reduce the risk of infections or skin problems. In addition, dry and clean bedding helps to prevent claw diseases. 

Overall, special attention should be paid to the origin, production and quality of biochar so that the benefits described can unfold. 

• CFD webinar biochar
• General information about German biochar
• Example of pyrolysis
• Example of pyrolysis
• Examples of pyrolysis
• Farmer Mathis Block using biochar

The thermal screen is the first equipment to be installed to reduce the energy consumption of greenhouses. The objective of the thermal screen is to reduce heat losses in the greenhouse when they are most significant, namely at night. High-performance thermal insulation is achieved by limiting both convective exchanges (a well-closed and relatively airtight screen) and radiative exchanges (using reflective and low-emissivity materials). The screens are made from various materials (polyethylene, polyester, acrylic), in film, mesh, woven, or non-woven forms, and are more or less metallized. Thermal efficiency increases as the emissivity and transmission of the screen decreases. Manufacturers generally specify the light transmission and the expected energy savings. 

The thermal screen is deployed above the crops at the beginning of the night when heating demand becomes significant and is gradually retracted at sunrise to avoid thermal shock. During normal nighttime operation, the screen remains closed, but a slight temporary opening may be necessary to control humidity and temperature. It is possible to use a perforated screen to allow water vapor to pass through and prevent excessive humidity levels. 
Additionally, devices can be used to dehumidify the greenhouse. Double screens are used in which the highest energy savings are combined with transparent materials for flexible usage during dull days and nighttime.

Finally, implementing the thermal screen requires automatic control. Management of the screen is crucial to avoid health issues and yield losses, especially concerning humidity. Energy savings from using a thermal screen are about 20–25%, and 30–35% with a double screen, compared to a greenhouse without a screen.

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…

Droughts and heavy rainfall are threatening agricultural production across Europe. How can experts, farmers and advisors have constructive conversations about climate smart water management? And how can you  facilitate these conversations in an interactive way? In the Netherlands, we have good experience with the water management dialogue matrix; a tool to talk about water management measures and discuss implications for 
farmers.
 

Objective: to inform farm visitors and start a conversation about climate smart water measures. For example, in the Netherlands we talked about above-ground water storage.

Dialogue matrix:
The dialogue matrix tool consists of 6 easy to follow steps. The first and second steps require some preparation by an expert (e.g. a researcher, farmer with lots of experience, and an advisor). 

1. Prepare a list of maximum 10 climate smart water measures, appropriate to your local context. Think about e.g. above or below ground water storage, crop rotations or soil measures.
2. Define each measure in one or two sentences
3. Prepare the table below and print on A4 paper
4. Hand out the table to each demo visitor
5. Let them individually score each measure on effectiveness and feasibility (1= low, 5= high)
6. Plenaries discuss the answers of the audience and place each measure within the matrix below: how effective is each measure? And how feasible is it to implement?

Target audience: The water management dialogue matrix can be used in sessions with farmers, local stakeholders, and advisors. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/pilot-demo-farm/?e-filter-d1c5a74…

Water management plays a key role in Portuguese agriculture, considering the challenges posed by climate change. Rising temperatures, more frequent drought periods, and increasing variability in precipitation and in water availability, making the adoption of more efficient strategies essential.

In the specific case of The Summer Berry Company, located in semi-arid regions of Portugal, a responsible water management and mitigating the risks associated with water scarcity are key objectives of the company’s environmental strategy. The main commitments include:

• Maintaining continuous assessment of the farm’s water resources and developing a management plan adapted to their current state
• Reducing water consumption and increasing overall efficiency in its use (irrigation systems adapted to local conditions, regular water consumption monitoring through precision equipment (humidity sensors))
• Preserving and improving water quality in ecosystems by planting species in water lines to avoid nutrient runoff
• Maximizing water reuse and recycling by installing water reservoirs
• Using greywater for hedge irrigation and other unproductive areas

In 2024, the company successfully increased the use of sustainable water sources, with 60% of the water used on its farms coming from storing rainwater and using open and closed hydraulic irrigation systems. This figure represents an increase compared to 2023 (53%) and 2022 (43%). As a result, dependence on the Santa Clara Dam was reduced to just 40%.

Finally, light and shade regulation is another key strategy. Shading nets are periodically adjusted according to weather conditions, covering plants on hot days to reduce excessive evaporation. On more humid days, the nets are removed to stimulate plant activity and maintain the photosynthesis process. This approach not only promotes the healthy development of crops but also contributes to water conservation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. 

• https://climatefarmdemo.eu/practice-abstracts/adaptation-and-mitigation-measure…