The specialisation and spatial separation of crop and livestock production is a strong driver of nutrient surpluses, which increase the risk of eutrophication. To address this well-acknowledged problem, we found scientific support for at least three pathways: moving nutrients, moving livestock, and changing our diets.
In this policy brief, we discuss farm structure from the perspective of specialisation and separation between crop and livestock production. These variables characterise agriculture in most of the Western world.
It is important to consider the potential contributions of farm structure to eutrophication, because agriculture is the single largest source of human-related nutrients to the Baltic Sea.
The problems linked to the present farm structure are well-acknowledged and can occur at both national and regional levels, but potential solutions are not widely discussed. As a result, farm structure has become the “elephant in the room” when it comes to identifying opportunities to reduce impacts of agriculture on eutrophication.
Policy recommendations
- Limit phosphorus fertilisation by setting maximum application rates or maximum surpluses. Account for phosphorus status in the soil.
- Limit livestock densities under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive.
- Expand current zones that are deemed as environ- mentally sensitive or vulnerable to nutrient losses to include livestock density limits.
- Establish minimum proportions of locally grown feed at farm- or regional scale (similar to rules for organic labelling).
- Provide seed funding for the development of in- novative recycled nutrient fertiliser products.
- Establish common quality standards for recycled nutrient fertiliser products.
Also read the fact sheet "Can changing our diets help the Baltic Sea?" that describes different scenarios on how trade, production, and consumption affects eutrophication in the Baltic Sea.
Read and download:
Policy Brief: How changes in farm structure could help reduce nutrient leakage to the Baltic Sea (324 Kb)
Policy Brief on farm structure with references (84 Kb)
Fact Sheet: Can changing our diets help the Baltic Sea? (221 Kb)
Fact sheet on consumption with references (59 Kb)
CONTACT
Annika Svanbäck
Agronomist, Baltic Eye, Baltic Sea Centre
+46 (0)8 16 31 50, annika.svanback@su.se
Michelle McCrackin
Biogeochemist, Baltic Eye, Baltic Sea Centre
+46 (0)8 16 17 78, michelle.mccrackin@su.se