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Sustainability in the dairy farm: How to do it ecologically and profitably!
Discover how Lars van Loenhout is revolutionizing dairy farming in Friesland and achieving ecological progress with sustainable practices.
Sustainability in the dairy farm: How to do it ecologically and profitably!
Nowadays, agriculture is facing enormous challenges, especially when it comes to the issues of sustainability and economic viability. Lars van Loenhout, a pioneer in dairy farming, emphasizes the need to combine entrepreneurial thinking and daring to develop innovative yield models. How Country and forest reports, farmers are now required to create buffer strips three meters wide in order to reduce the ecological footprint and promote biodiversity.
But Van Loenhout's business doesn't just stick to the minimum requirements. The BoerenNatuur project is currently investigating whether these buffer strips can be extended to six meters in order to achieve even more ecological benefits. This extension has now been approved and provides for these areas to be planted with species-rich mixtures, which will be remunerated as part of the agricultural nature and landscape protection (ANLb). This means farmers can take on both ecological and economic responsibility.
Sustainability in focus
Van Loenhout has been supplying “On the way to PlanetProof” milk for some time, a sign of his commitment to sustainable agriculture. Initially, his operations simply had to comply with the requirements, but continued progress required continuous improvements. “We always strive for the maximum achievable,” says Van Loenhout regarding his objectives in terms of sustainability and profitability.
A specially optimized fertilization plan led to a successful reduction in nitrogen excess in the soil by 100%. This step shows how important it is to integrate sustainable practices into everyday farming. The aim is to both protect the natural resource soil and secure our own economic viability.
The role of buffer zones
What role do buffer zones play in this context? Loud Federal Environment Agency Buffer strips offer crucial protection for biodiversity. They help filter pesticides and protect the habitats of free-living birds and mammals. There are numerous studies that demonstrate their effectiveness because they reduce herbicide runoff and thus promote ecosystem stability.
These measures are in line with the goals of sustainable agriculture, as pursued in international projects, for example in cocoa production in Côte d'Ivoire. The PRO-PLANTEURS project, which was developed with a European financing partner, promotes a future-oriented value chain. Bid here BMZ and numerous other partners support to improve working conditions for farmers and enable fairer distribution within the value chain.
Overall, it shows that innovative approaches and cooperative projects are necessary to successfully overcome the challenges of today. The van Loenhout case and developments in agriculture are exemplary of the changes that the industry is going through. It is now in the hands of farmers to use these opportunities creatively while protecting the environment.