Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Key issues to reflect on when returning livestock on an arable farm (Network: France | INRAe)

The reintegration of livestock into crop farms is presented as a favorable solution for the spread of agroecology. But this return has a series of direct (e.g. on labor) and indirect (e.g. on subsidies) impacts that need to be anticipated. What are the key factors to consider when reintegrating livestock into crop farms?
- The priority objectives associated with this reintegration (e.g. a new source of income vs. livestock manure for fertilization),
- Outlets for reintegrated livestock products in short or long chains, depending on local operators,
- subsidies made possible by the reintroduction of livestock,
- Impact on the organization, workload and nature of work,
- Investments required by the presence of a livestock operation (e.g. fencing, drinking troughs),
- The presence of input and service suppliers (e.g. veterinarians) associated with the livestock operation,
- regulatory constraints associated with the joint management of crops and livestock (e.g. the removal of animals from fields before harvest periods),
- Availability of the knowledge needed to manage livestock operations,
- The presence of professional networks (e.g. technical advisors, farmers' groups) linked to livestock farming.
Based on these elements, it is easier to determine the project for reintegrating livestock into a crop farm, be it the species and breed concerned, management and marketing methods, or how this reintegration will be carried out, by adding a production on the farm, or in collaboration with a breeder by temporarily hosting animals on the farm.
Source Project
MIXED - Multi-actor and transdisciplinary development of efficient and resilient MIXED farming and agroforestry systems
Ongoing | 2020-2025
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark
Project details

Project Keywords