View of farmers on GHG and ammonia emissions by survey in eight countries

In the framework of the European Green Deal, substantial efforts are addressed towards the objectives of sustainable agriculture and reduction of GHG emissions. Within this context, making resources available to researchers and farmers for the study and adoption of mitigation strategies is crucial. However, a likewise relevant matter is to invest in understanding farmers’ perception of the problem and raising awareness to ensure their adequate engagement when practical actions are requested and implemented at enterprise level. As part of the CCCfarming project, interviews were conducted in over 40 study farms from 8 European countries. The aim was to unveil farm management strategies to reduce GHG and NH3 emissions as well as farmers’ knowledge, perception and goals about the topic. Overall, the survey revealed a group of above average size farms run by middle aged farmers with a good background education and close to research, environmentally involved and willing to test new technologies. The majority of farmers were engaged in changes entailing a reduction of N-losses (and ammonia) in the recent past. In addition, changes were mainly related to improvement of manure management in the whole chain and to energy use. Furthermore, most farmers are considering adopting further measures in the future concerning the use of renewable energies, changes in feeding, and improvements in manure management and livestock housings. The practices related to reducing GHG emissions (especially methane) were less clearly articulated and often overlapped with the practices related to ammonia reduction. It is questionable if methane reduction practices are actually known in the field in present time. The primary reasons behind the adoption of mentioned practices were the improvement of farm economy and efficiency, besides environmental outcomes. Differences between countries will be shown.