Healthy animals give higher yields and a lower climate impact

The agricultural sector accounts for about 15 percent of Sweden's total greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from animals’ feed digestion, manure management and nitrogen conversion in soil consist of emissions from animal feed. 

Björn Ringselle is a researcher at RISE with a focus on, among other things, crop production, plant protection and biodiversity. He stresses the importance of increasing domestic production instead of relying on imports of food, feed, energy and other inputs, such as manure.  

"If we produce by ourselves, we have greater opportunities to do so in an environmentally smart manner and with traceability, while society can better handle war and other disruptions in supply chains.

For example, Swedish farms can produce their own energy and manure," says Björn Ringselle.  

Social sustainability an important aspect 

In order to create sustainable agriculture, at least three sustainability aspects need to be taken into account; environmental, economic and social. Social sustainability includes, among other things, the goal of more jobs in rural areas and a focus on a better working environment and good animal health.  

Björn Ringselle points out that there are things to do at farm level that can benefit both the climate and profitability, but that the measures often require difficult trade-offs. 

"They can provide great environmental benefits, but take time and money to carry out. The low profitability of agriculture is in many cases a brake on moving to more environmentally friendly technology and methodology. 

Swedish natural pasture and grassland contribute to increased biodiversity

A typical example is feed, where imported feed (such as soy) is linked to environmental degradation, while Swedish natural pasture and grassland – that is, grass and legumes – can contribute to carbon storage and increased biodiversity. 

Several projects are currently underway for technology and method development, with the goal of increasing the profitability of grassland production. This is done by finding alternative uses for the grassland, such as substitute products for the soya-based protein feed that is currently given to pigs and poultry, ethanol, bio-oil and biogas. The development work is also about making it easier and cheaper to use grazing animals, including with the help of virtual fences. 

"Grazing animals that feel good and are healthy give good yields and lower climate impact," says Björn Ringselle. 

Swedish agriculture is currently 25 percent fossil-free. Within the framework of the government initiative Fossil-free Sweden, LRF (Lantbrukarnas Riksförbund - Federation of Swedish Farmers) has adopted the goal that Swedish agriculture shall be fossil-free by 2030. 

Machinery powered by renewable fuels 

The transition requires, among other things, investments in new machinery powered by renewable fuels and eventually by electricity. Given the high price of diesel, it can be a financial incentive for those who are going to change, according to Björn Ringselle. 

Anna-Karin Karlsson is project manager at RISE and in the national centre for information SustAinimal. She sees an increased interest in the future role of food-producing animals in a more resilient, sustainable and profitable food system.  

"Sweden is an elongated country and the conditions for food production look very different in terms of climate, what land there is and what crops can be grown. The amount of agricultural land and natural pasture has decreased and species, which only thrive on natural pastures, are at risk of being lost. Only grazing animals can keep the natural pastures alive," says Anna-Karin Karlsson. 

SustAinimal shall investigate relevant solutions for food security in different regions of Sweden and what ability the food system has to deliver food and ecosystem services if something unforeseen happens, such as extreme weather or crises. 

“Anyone who has a business idea or wants further inspiration can contact me or one of my colleagues at RISE, where we are both a research institute and a business partner. We are happy to help with both development and testing of technology to contribute to more sustainable farms,” says Björn Ringselle.