The Climate Impact of Food Production
All food production has an impact on the climate. Greenhouse gases are released through activities such as energy use, land management, and livestock farming. Some emissions come from the use of fossil fuels in transport, machinery, and food processing.
Climate impact cannot be eliminated entirely, but it can be reduced. That is why KRAV standards include requirements designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions in different parts of the production chain.
The Role of Animals in Nutrient Cycling
Livestock farming generates greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from ruminant animals such as cattle. At the same time, animals play an important role in organic farming systems.
Manure provides nutrients for crop production and supports a cycle in which nutrients are returned to the soil. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, the production of which requires large amounts of energy and generates greenhouse gas emissions.
On many KRAV-certified farms, grass and clover leys are also grown as feed for livestock. In this way, crop production and animal husbandry become part of the same system, with nutrients circulating between soil, crops, and animals rather than being brought in from external sources.
All animals on KRAV-certified farms have access to outdoor grazing, more extensively than is typically required in other farming systems. Dairy cows are subject to KRAV’s grazing requirement, which means that at least half of their forage intake must come from grazing on leys and semi-natural pastures during the summer season.
Some of KRAV’s Climate-Related Standards
- KRAV-certified businesses must use electricity from renewable energy sources.
- Businesses must work to improve energy efficiency and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
- The cultivation of peat soils is not permitted, as these soils can generate high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
- KRAV-certified farms may not use synthetic fertilisers.
- Farmers must manage plant nutrients responsibly and maintain a fertilisation plan to reduce nutrient losses and climate impact.
- All fields must be included in a diverse crop rotation that includes legumes as well as leys or green manure crops.
- Animal feed must be produced primarily on the farm itself or within the local area.
- Drivers of transport and work vehicles that are regularly used in the business must receive training in fuel-efficient driving techniques.
For the full requirements, see the KRAV Standards.
How KRAV Standards Can Help Reduce Emissions
No form of food production is completely free from climate impact, whether conventional or organic. However, through requirements relating to energy use, crop production, nutrient management, and animal husbandry, KRAV-certified businesses can take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.