Reduction of greenhouse gases from agricultural systems of Emilia-Romagna

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Italy’s agricultural sector is considered to be responsible for producing 35% of the country’s methane and 45% of its nitrous oxide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There is a link between intensive agricultural activities and the level of these emissions. Much of Emilia-Romagna’s agricultural output is focused on producing high quality food, such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (a Protected Designations of Origin – PDO – product); Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) peaches and pears, as well as labelled beef and fresh milk produced in environmentally-friendly integrated farms. A green policy on GHG emissions could further improve the sustainability of these local agricultural production systems.

OBJECTIVES

The Climate changE-R project aimed to help to reduce GHG emissions caused by selected agricultural food chains on a regional scale. It intended to tackle emissions of Methane (CH4) from enteric origin, Nitrous oxide (N2O) from soil and manure and Carbon dioxide (CO2) from energy use. The general aim was to reduce the emissions by 200 000 tonnes CO2 equivalent over a three-year period in specific food production sectors (tomato, green bean, wheat, peaches and pears) and in the beef and milk production chains. Best Practices would be tested and assessed through an open governance process involving stakeholders and policy makers. Analysis of the best practices would include an assessment of the impact of the GHG reduction measures on agricultural productivity.

RESULTS

The LIFE+_Climate changE-R project provided a means of governance to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by selected agricultural food chains at regional scale. In particular, it tackled emissions of methane (CH₄) from enteric origin (livestock), nitrous oxide (N₂O) from soil and manure, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from energy use.

 

To achieve its goal, of reducing GHG emissions by 200 000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over the project period in several food production sectors (tomato, green bean, wheat, peaches and pears), and in beef and milk production chains, the project team identified and tested a series of best practices on demonstration farms in Italy. These consisted of different growing and breeding techniques that have been proven to reduce GHG emissions, while maintaining the same crop yields and product quality.

 

The project team demonstrated the following best practice techniques:

• Reduced use of agrochemicals (fertilisers and pesticides).
• Minimum or reduced tillage.
• Rational management of water resources.
• New management methods for food and animals.

 

Furthermore, to verify the environmental and economic benefits associated with the adoption of the best practices, the project team processed the data collected in the demonstration farms using a LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) approach. They concluded that most of the demonstration techniques can be applied without excessive additional costs or even with an economic advantage linked to the use of fewer technical means.

 

The project team measured the outcomes in terms of GHG reduction. The adoption of the best practices allowed an overall reduction of 0.141 million tons of CO₂-equivalent in three years, and it is expected that an additional saving of 0.375 Mt CO₂eq (in three years) can be achieved if the best practices are adopted according to the projections made.

 

Besides the economic and direct environmental benefits measured by the LCA, the project team listed other, indirect benefits such as: lower polluting chemicals, a more rational management of water resources, less invasive techniques for working the land, different modes of manure management, and new types of animal feed.

 

The project had strong policy implications, as it contributed to the governance process of the Emilia-Romagna region, helping thus to reach the targets of the Environmental Strategy Europe 2020. Indeed, thanks to the involvement of the Emilia-Romagna Region, it has been possible to promote the techniques identified for the reduction of GHG emissions in agriculture, through specific policy measures and a system of economic incentives, which are now part of the Rural Development Plan of the region. These incentives will be provided to the farmers who choose to adopt the best practices. The incentives are particularly important when considering that not all the techniques entail a direct economic advantage for the farmer adopting it, even if they provide an environmental benefit.

 

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan  (see "Read more" section).