Increasing exchanges between farmers to enhance crop diversification
Problem: There is a general lack of engagement from grain farmers to crop diversification, namely due to limited markets and outlets for harvested products. On the flip side, within the dairy sector, there is reliance on imported soybean and it is currently hard to substitute this cheap source of protein with locally produced protein crops.
Solution: One solution is to increase crop diversification in arable systems, while increasing locally produced protein in livestock systems, by facilitating and promoting win-win exchanges between grain and livestock farmers. Livestock farmers can use protein crops produced by local grain farmers, thus offering a local outlet for enhancing crop diversification in arable systems.
Outcomes:
11 exchanges between grain and livestock farmers showed improvements in the sustainability (in its economic, social and environmental dimensions) of both farm systems. Moreover, in most cases (8 out of 11), these exchanges helped to enhance crop diversification within an arable system.
More information and practical recommendations: https://zenodo.org/record/4032601
DiverIMPACTS - Diversification through Rotation, Intercropping, Multiple Cropping, Promoted with Actors and value-Chains towards Sustainability
Ongoing | 2017-2022
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France