Both farmers and grasslands in Wales are under huge pressures, something the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is trying to address. If done well, the SFS has a brilliant opportunity to benefit farming, nature and biodiversity in Wales. We support the ambitions of the scheme, but recognise that it is not perfect. It has to work practically for farmers and nature – and farmers must be paid properly for this important work. The scheme requires 10% of land to be habitat, which includes species-rich grassland. This special habitat can be part of livestock farming, whilst locking in carbon and supporting biodiversity. We believe farmers can have productive farmland and make space for nature at the same time – it doesn’t need to be either/or. We understand why this is a difficult time for farmers, with significant changes and uncertainties. And we will continue to work with farmers to help them manage land which is productive and at the same time delivers for nature and climate. As the SFS consultation comes to a close in one day (7th March), we urge farmers to research the proposals and respond. Respond here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eDy4Q2Hf In the 20th century, an estimated 90% of Wales’ lowland semi-natural grassland was lost. It is crucial that we manage and restore these species-rich grasslands so they can help tackle climate change, boost biodiversity and support sustainable food production. That’s why we’re calling for the Welsh government to take a strategic approach to grasslands. This means supporting farmers and land managers, through public and private funding opportunities, in low-carbon, nature-friendly farming.
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Climate-smart farming (CSF) is an innovative solution that integrates agricultural practices with environmental stewardship. The goal? To improve food security, reduce carbon emissions, and preserve biodiversity — all while maintaining productive farming systems. According to the ifaw, Climate-smart farming isn’t just about adopting new techniques. It's about reshaping the way we think about agriculture: 1. Sustainable practices: Incorporating agroecology, water management, and crop diversification. 2. Increased resilience: Strengthening farm systems to withstand the impacts of climate change. 3. Carbon reduction: Implementing practices that help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Why does this matter? The biodiversity crisis is closely tied to agricultural practices, and adopting climate-smart approaches could be the key to reducing habitat loss, deforestation, and soil degradation. It's time for farmers, policymakers, and agri-businesses to join forces in supporting sustainable practices that work in harmony with nature. By doing so, we not only protect our food systems but ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Let's spread the word! Join the movement towards climate-smart agriculture and contribute to a more sustainable future for all: https://lnkd.in/gy3RbHA8 #ClimateSmartFarming #SustainableAgriculture #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #IFAW #Agroecology #GreenFuture
How climate-smart farming helps animals & the planet | IFAW
ifaw.org
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The EU invests four times more money into farming animals than growing plants! 🌾 This staggering revelation from a recent study in Nature Food sheds light on the imbalance in agricultural subsidies. Despite efforts to steer towards a more sustainable future, over 80% of the EU's farming subsidies through the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) went to animal products in 2013. This not only distorts market prices but also perpetuates the environmental damage caused by intensive animal farming. It's evident that the current system incentivises practices detrimental to our planet's health. As we strive for a greener future, it's imperative to address these imbalances and support initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture. 🌍 Read more about this study and join the conversation on reshaping our food systems for the better 👉 https://bit.ly/3VIORHu #EU #agriculture #sustainability #plantbased #environment
EU pumps four times more money into farming animals than growing plants
theguardian.com
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🌍 Regenerative farmers globally have intuitively inferred and directly measured the relative impact of running a purely arable farm versus inclusion of livestock. This is why inclusion of livestock forms one of the principles of #soilhealth. Research is now catching up with this qualitative understanding to demonstrate the improvements in soil. 🐛 "Research by the Soil Association Exchange shows that farms with a mixture of arable crops and livestock have about a third more carbon stored within their soil than those with only arable crops, thanks to the animals’ manure." 🦗 Sustainable agriculture relies on reducing emissions as well as boosting biodiversity while slowing down and cleaning water through #healthysoils. However, we should also be researching how these practices can take farms from "low carbon" to "net positive carbon". Regenerate Asset Management Regenerate Outcomes Ryan Cameron Nicholas Burlington David Bates Jeremy Stroud Ananya Manna Philippa Saxon Erik Bruun Bindslev Robert Covell Matt Jordon Addy Windsor-Clive
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theguardian.com
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This is big! 🌍 The Dutch government's groundbreaking €700M sustainability scheme has just been approved by the European Commission! 🙌 This game-changing initiative aims to support livestock farmers who choose to close their farms voluntarily. 🌱 It's all about promoting a more sustainable food system, providing crucial support for small and medium-sized farmers in specific areas of the Netherlands. The focus is on enhancing environmental quality in priority regions, such as peatlands, sandy soils, stream valleys, and around the EU’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas. 💚 The scheme is planned to run until October 2029, reflecting a strong commitment to promoting environmentally friendly farming practices and making a positive ecological impact. ✅ The EU's approval of this initiative is a huge win for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming. 🙏 Learn more via this comprehensive Green Queen Media article 👇 #Sustainability #EUCommission #Agriculture #LivestockFarming #EnvironmentalImpact #plantbased
EU Greenlights €700M Scheme That Pays Meat Producers to Close Their Farms
https://www.greenqueen.com.hk
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England’s nature-friendly farming budget set to be cut by £100m meaning at least 239,000 fewer hectares of nature-friendly farmland! “Whilst we recognise the financial challenges government faces, investment in nature-friendly farming is critical, not just to meet our legally binding nature and climate targets, but also in order to underpin our national food security and the health of the economy. “A £100m reduction in funding would see 239,000 hectares less nature-friendly farmland, and a failure to invest in nature and climate is predicted to shrink the economy by 12% – an impact greater than Covid and the financial crash" https://lnkd.in/dJUyDKbP
England’s nature-friendly farming budget to be cut by £100m
theguardian.com
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🐄 Cattle farming in particular poses several environmental challenges, primarily due to methane emissions, an especially potent greenhouse gas. Livestock and feed production are often drivers of deforestation, habitat loss, and water consumption, leaving many to wonder if cattle farming can coexist in a world increasingly focused on decarbonization and biodiversity. READ MORE ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gprDE5Da #farming #biodiversity #emissions #greenhousegas #consumption #decarbonization
For MVP Dairy, Regenerative Farming is About Progress Over Perfection
triplepundit.com
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Soil Carbon: The Next Frontier for Sustainable Dairy. For dairy farming to be sustainable, incorporating soil carbon sequestration is essential. This approach not only aids in mitigating climate change by removing CO2 from the atmosphere but also enhances soil health, leading to more productive and resilient farming systems. The below article, published in Farmers Weekly, highlights the necessity of soil carbon for the dairy sector. Engaging with experts like Agricarbon's Dr. Harry Kamilaris can provide tailored guidance and support for dairy professionals keen on integrating these practices. This collaboration could be a significant step towards achieving net-zero targets within the sector. If you want to know more about soil carbon's role, please get in touch with Dr Kamilaris and explore how soil carbon strategies can benefit your dairy business. Harry is a passionate Sustainability expert. He specialises in bioeconomic farm-level modelling and has a masterful understanding of sustainable livestock practices. #dairyindustry #dairy #dairyfarming #livestock #soilcarbon #dairyfarmers https://lnkd.in/e84QECRN
Soil carbon must be part of the equation for Dairy - Farmers Weekly
fwi.co.uk
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Board member, contributor, scribbler, speaker. Sometimes blunt. Not polishing my credentials for any more govt roles.
9mo"90% of the semi wild grasslands" lost in the 20th century. Previously created by mass clearances of woodland, people and land drainage to make way for sheep..... We need to restore much more woodland pasture and restore farmland ponds so livestock have access to water year round.