The livestock sector has many ways to reduce the environmental impacts, especially for the agricultural and breeding phases that have the higher relevance.

Precision Agriculture

Use of fertilisers, irrigation and the working of the land, use of crop protection products: the agricultural phase is one where there are the greatest impacts of the entire production chain of the meat and cured meats. For this reason, the professionalism of trained farmers who know how to integrate the experience with technology and modern tools permits the increase of efficiency and the reduction of impacts.

Solar Power

The large availability of space (for example on the roofs of the barns) makes it possible to use the sun as a renewable source of energy without using up additional territory: there are now many farms that have solar panels to produce electricity or heat.

Production of Biogas

Manure, but also many of the organic wastes of the food chains, can be used for biogas production with a dual benefit: in addition to the better managementof waste, the production of energy from non-fossil sources is obtained. In this way the kWh of electricity has a 70% lower impact than the Italian national average mix.

Managing Manure

Animal manure is a source of impact for both the air (ammonia, methane and nitrous oxide) and for the ground with the release of nitrogen. The methods of storage are very relevant to the reduction of impacts: the transition from the uncovered manure slurry tanks to closed tanks can halve greenhouse gas emissions.

Project ChangE-R

A large representation of Italian agrifood sector is involved in a LIFE project coordinated by the Region of Emilia Romagna, which aims at the development of farming techniques and efficient farming. Animal husbandry plays an important role in the project for a chance to “close the cycles” with all the food companies involved. More information on the ChangE-R’s website.

The Sustainable Meat Project