Dairy carbon emissions project seeks farmer input
© Tim Scrivener More than 50 dairy farms across the UK are sought to investigate ways greenhouse gas emissions can be cut by using innovative mitigation measures.
The aim of the UK Dairy Carbon Network is to speed up the adoption of practices that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) production, according to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), which is leading the project.
See also: How a Cornish dairy curbed its carbon footprint
The project will focus on four regions: Northern Ireland; Cumbria and south-west Scotland; north-west England; and south/south-west England and west Wales, involving a total of 56 farms.
Solutions
Once selected, these demonstration farms will investigate and measure the impact of a range of potential solutions. They include innovations in animal management, land use, nutrient management and technology.
The project will also support more efficient use of nitrogen and phosphorus.
“By working closely with farmers and using advanced modelling techniques, we aim to measure and report significant reductions in the carbon emissions from dairy farming in the UK,” says Prof Steven Morrison of AFBI.
Networks
“Selected farmers will be at the heart of these dynamic networks and will demonstrate a range of carbon mitigation strategies on their farms.”
The impact of these will be assessed using direct measurements, novel indicators and carbon footprint models.
Successful strategies will then be shared with other farmers, as well as policymakers, scientists and the wider industry.
Farmers can register their interest in being part of the UK Dairy Carbon Network. Submission deadline is 31 March, but early application is advised.
They can also register for a UK-Dairy Carbon Network webinar on 18 March to find out more .
- Also involved in the project are AHDB, AgriSearch, UK Agritech Centre, Adas, Aberystwyth University, Queen’s University Belfast, Harper Adams University, Newcastle University and Scotland’s Rural College.