Agriculture and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Network

Last Thursday, 11 April, a new interdisciplinary AU network on Agriculture and Greenhouse Gas Emissions were launched to find new solutions for the green transition of agriculture. Together, the network has a comprehensive view of the entire value chain – from animals, housing systems and management to soils, fields and cropping systems.

Multiple knowledge is needed

The days program was introduced stating that many different changes in both food demand, production practices and processing are required to constrain climate change. This also documented in the presentation on emission inventories. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture is by now mostly obtained due to the introduction of emission reducing technology in housing systems and production of biogas from manure and/or slurry. Complex problems calling for co-creation, interdisciplinarity and inclusivity.

Rethink production systems and farming practices

Throughout the day, presentations revolved around the need to rethink the production systems for animal production as well as cultivation practices in the agricultural production. One reason, probably of no surprise, being the changed rainfall patterns and thus changed groundwater levels which affects greenhouse gas emissions from soils. Also, that the technological fix to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is not done by one technology, but rather combinations of technologies.

Productivity with new measures

Summing up, new technologies and new production systems are needed to reduce emissions while increasing productivity, support natural resources and processes and maintaining biodiversity. New measures, i.e. farming for carbon storage, differs with respect to different land-use. To engage in the new solutions for the green transition, research should be broader than mere optimization, thus create knowledge for inclusive goals.

The organizing committee will meet soon to clarify the purpose and means for running the network. Also, considerations in relation to apply for establishing a GHG START HUB will be planned.

Thanks to ENVS, BCE and ANIVET for the support in initiating the new AU Agriculture and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Research Network.