In light of climate change and the potential of grassland-based food production, this project aims to facilitate a nuanced discussion about realistic reduction potentials in milk production and to pursue this path in a practical manner.
The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein is collaborating with farms in the transition region between the Eastern Alps and the Alpine foothills. Starting with a selection of 14 pilot farms, which will be expanded to approximately 65 farms over the course of the project, we are recording and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions over several years (2021-2025). Mitigation options are being implemented on these farms, and the resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is being compared with a modeled baseline year (2018). In the project year 2022, 43 potential mitigation options were identified, 27 of which were implemented on the participating pilot farms. An additional 40 mitigation options are expected to be added in the project year 2023.
The aim is not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on participating farms, but also to make general statements about the potential for greenhouse gas savings on organic dairy farms under Alpine production conditions. An important aspect is the economic dimension; therefore, the economic impact of the reduction options will also be considered.
NÖM (Niederösterreichische Molkerei), one of the largest dairy companies in Austria, and Bio-Austria are further key project partners in the research project. As a collecting cooperative and processing plant, NÖM supports the selection of participating farms as well as communication and consulting. To improve climate protection along the entire value chain, NÖM is increasingly using more climate-friendly, fossil-free HVO100 diesel fuel (link below) for milk transport. The Bio-Austria association has participated in the project as an educational partner since 2023, contributing expert advice to the selection and implementation of mitigation options. In addition, new teaching materials for training courses will be developed, and courses and workshops will be held jointly with farmers to promote greenhouse gas-efficient milk production.
https://dafne.at/projekte/ghgdairyfarm
External links:
https://www.prolactal.com/en/prolactal-expands-efforts-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-for-its-organic-milk-derivatives/
https://moproweb.de/news/home/fossilfreie-milchsammlung/
