Energy use and climate impact of Dutch organic agriculture

All agricultural activities have an impact in terms of greenhouse gases and energy use. Because of lower yields per hectare and slower growth of particularly animals kept for meat, the organic sector is not necessarily ‘cleaner’ in terms of greenhouses gases and energy use than conventional agriculture. On the other hand, the lower use of concentrates in animal feed, the ban on artificial fertilizers and the higher carbon sequestration do mean a lower use of energy and emission of greenhouse gases.

In recent years, data on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions have been collected for the Dutch organic arable, field and glasshouse vegetable, dairy, pig, apple and egg sectors. The use of fossil fuels is still one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Generating solar and wind energy on-farm, or producing bio gas by fermentation of manure or organic waste could significantly reduce emissions in an economically viable way.

Carbon sequestration in the soil is another way organic farms can reduce their overall emissions. Large steps can be made by arable and dairy farms specifically, because they have large areas of land at their disposal. Minimal tillage, strip tillage and the additional use of cover crops are potential ways to enhance carbon sequestration in the soil.

Current research projects focus on determining the climate impact of the Dutch organic sector, informing farmers on the possibilities they have to reduce their carbon footprint and on soil management techniques that enhance carbon sequestration.