As climate concerns dominate global agendas, sustainability is no longer optional for businesses. For large companies, transparent reporting on sustainability efforts has become mandatory under the newly enacted EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This directive emphasises the need for quantifiable, audited metrics. Among the solutions shaping sustainability targets, forage grasses stand out—not only for their climate- and environmental benefits but also for their potential to improve CSR scores in agriculture and food systems.
CSR reporting has to follow the standards laid down by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Unfortunately, the climate effects of many agricultural processes are not well characterised and therefore based on average conditions and broad assumptions.
In response to these challenges, an ambitious four-year initiative, ClimateReach, has been launched, where DLF together with industry leaders such as Arla, Danish Crown, Danish Agro, DLG and researchers from the Universities of Copenhagen and Aarhus will explore the climate benefits of superior grass- and red clover varieties. Backed by a 21-million DKK grant from AgriFoodTure, under the Innovation Fund Denmark, this project aims to develop the basis for quantification of climate benefits of digestible and deep-rooting forage grass varieties.
The initiative focuses on two significant agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) contributors: methane emissions from enteric fermentation (50%) and nitrous oxide emissions from soil nitrogen (33%). Beyond reducing emissions, ClimateReach also explores how deep-rooted perennial crops contribute to soil carbon sequestration—a promising avenue for lowering agriculture’s carbon footprint.
One of the project’s key components is testing Fiber Energy forage varieties, known for their improved fibre composition. Previous studies have shown these varieties enhance milk production while potentially reducing methane emissions per litre of milk. ClimateReach will validate these findings through extensive feeding trials, using advanced closed-chamber methods to measure methane emissions from cows consuming various forage types.
Field studies are equally integral, involving four forage species: tall fescue, tall fescue PLUS (festulolium-tall fescue type), ryegrass PLUS (festulolium-ryegrass type), and red clover. These will be analysed both as individual crops and in mixtures to evaluate traits critical to sustainability. The research focuses on identifying varieties that minimise nitrous oxide emissions, maximise yield efficiency, and enhance soil carbon storage through deep rooting. Red clover’s nitrogen-fixating ability adds another layer of ecological benefit.
While it is unlikely that a single forage variety can achieve all these goals, the findings will pave the way for scientifically optimised sustainability mixtures. These tailored solutions will enable food companies to guide their supply chains toward sustainable practices, improving their CSRD metrics while delivering meaningful environmental impacts.
Zero methane, zero nitrous oxide, plenty of carbon sequestration – is it possible? We don’t know yet. But it is our goal, and if it is yours too, be pleased that we are working on your goals too!
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