Action in the UK - Agriculture and climate change
Agricultural processes both release and absorb greenhouse gases. The crop cycle itself is assumed to be carbon neutral; emissions mainly result from digestive processes in animals, animal wastes, fertiliser use and land use change. Overall a reduction in the volume or intensity of agricultural activity, or an improvement in the efficient use of inputs (assuming a stable level of output of agricultural product) reduces agriculture's greenhouse gas emissions. Increases in forest coverage or the amount of organic matter in the soil remove carbon from the atmosphere. Conversely, practices which lead to the erosion or drainage of peat and fenland soils, timber harvesting, or grassland to arable conversion lead to loss of soil carbon, and the use of fossil fuels and electricity leads to greenhouse gas emissions, just as in other sectors. It is also be recognised that if the use of lower-input systems results in lower production, on a global scale there could be implications for the land area needed to meet demand for farm products.Recent policy changes
In recent years, there has been much activity in relation to reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy that will have an impact on emissions from agriculture and these are dealt with elsewhere on our website. Some of the most important are:
- CAP reform pages: www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/capreform/index.htm
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Environmental Stewardship Scheme: www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/es/default.htm
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Rural Development Regulation: www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/default.htm
Rural Climate Change Forum
The Rural Climate Change Forum provides a high level forum for dialogue with Government, and authoritative advice and leadership for rural stakeholders, on climate change and rural land management.
Non-food crops
Crops grown for non-food uses can play a significant role in reducing emissions by substituting for petrochemicals (because crops take carbon from the atmosphere as they grow). Crop derived fuels (eg bioethanol and biodiesel) can substitute directly for transport fuels, and biomass from crops can b used to generate heat and electricity. The growing of energy crops is encouraged by Defra's Energy Crops Scheme: www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/energy/default.htm
Page last modified: 01 December, 2005
Page published: 01 December, 2005