Climate change mitigation and adaptation levers for organic dairy cattle systems

Abstract

In a context of agriculture being both a contributor to and a victim of climate change, addressing the dual challenges of mitigation and adaptation has become crucial. At the same time, farmers must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and increase soil carbon sequestration, contributing to the collective need for mitigation; and prevent impacts of climate change on their production systems, by adapting and implementing strategies aiming for long-term resilience. Organic farming systems as such provide a foundation for partially achieving these objectives, yet them alone are insufficient. More particularly, dairy cattle farmers face complex challenges and lag behind in adapting their systems. Given these considerations, FNAB advisors work closely with farmers to support viable changes, forming their reflection on a climate diagnosis tool in order to develop action plans for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. This study identifies relevant and feasible levers, both validated by science and supported by practical insights from farmers and advisors. These include selecting specific breeds, such as robust or small-size cattle breeds; preserving grasslands and implementing hedges or trees; promoting feed autonomy; and developing systemic thinking around sustainable grazing management, alongside with adapted stocking densities.