facing the environmental challenge of agriculture «the mission of humanity is to transform solar...

Facing the environmental challenge of agriculture The mission of humanity is to transform solar energy into consciousness., Patrick Viveret, philosopher

2 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Contents Introduction - the GE+ program framework Objectives and values A transparent and farm-scale site for demonstration, experimentation and innovation Positive communication and civic education Results and perspective for wheat and milk production

3 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Introduction - the GE+ program framework Objectives and values A transparent and farm-scale site for demonstration, experimentation and innovation Positive communication and civic education Results and perspective for wheat and milk production

4 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Introduction: the GE+ program framework The Grignon Energie Positive program (GE+) is a multi-party project, which takes place at AgroParistechs experimental farm in Grignon. The Grignon farm Private and public partners Stakeholders

5 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The Grignon experimental farm is open to the general public, and benefits from a strong reputation, a high-level scientific environment, and a strong potential for innovation. DEEP-ROOTED REPUTATION Historical site (1848), participation to the creation of sheep breeds Ile-de- France & INRA 401 etc. EXCEPTIONAL SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT Proximity of researchers working on the environment, on climate, animal science etc. (INRA, CETIOM, etc.) LOCATION AND VISIBILITY Location on the outskirts of Paris, site opened to the general public, guided visits for young students STRONG INNOVATION POTENTIAL Mission historically dedicated to research and experimentation with available innovative techniques Introduction: the GE+ program framework The Grignon farm strengths

6 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The Grignon farm is a mixed-farming system, which enables the study of interactions between livestock and crops. CROPS 480 hectares split in 3 main parts (Grignon, Bois-dArcy & Palaiseau) Cereals: 230 ha Maize: 55 ha Rapeseed: 30 ha Grassland and fodder crops: 148 ha Fallow: 12 ha Energetic crops: 3 ha LIVESTOCK 130 dairy cows (1.3 million liters quota) 500 ewes (meat and breeding) PROCESSING & CONDITIONING 400 000 L of processed milk (yogurts, bottled milk and cheese ) DIRECT SELLING EDUCATION Introduction: the GE+ program framework Description of the farm productions

8 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The Grignon nergie Positive project was launched in 2005, in a context of rising oil prices and active debates about agriculture efficiency and environmental impacts. Objectives and values Origins of the project Agriculture at the crossroads of many challenges Oil price / scarcity Climate change Water quality Biodiversity loss Image in the society Feeding the World Demographic explosion Climate change Water quality Biodiversity loss

9 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The GE+ project addresses the issues of possible and desirable adjustments of agriculture and food sectors to the challenges of fossil fuel scarcity and global warming, with two complementary approaches. Positive communication and civic education Demonstration and innovation Exploration of innovative solutions to meet the environmental challenges of agriculture, linked to GHG (1) emissions and fossil energy consumption (communication of results to professionals included in this axis) The Positive communication axis aims at pointing out that modern agriculture can face the environmental challenges, while the Civic education axis aims at explaining these issues to the general public, especially children. Objectives and values Values and structure of the project (1): Greenhouse Gas

10 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The project started with an in-depth diagnosis of the farm, highlighting the contribution of each activity to the fossil energy consumptions and GHG emissions in 2005. Objectives and values The GE+ initial diagnosis Major items of fossil energy consumption Major items of GHG emissions (in % of the warming potential) CH 4 N2ON2O CO 2 Legends: Feed purchase: 18.4% CH4 emissions from cows: 22 % CH4 emissions from sheep: 22 % Animal production Electricity: 11.2% Building and Dairy Fuel oil: 22.6% Fuel oil: 9 % Tractors Fertilizer production: 29.6% N 2 O emissions following the fertilization: 20 % Fertilizer production: 9 % Crop production Fossil energy consumption: 17 164 GJ (408 t o eq.) = 102 people GHG emissions: 2 627 t CO2e = 440 people

11 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The main objective of GE+ is to meet the challenge of improving energy and GHG performances while maintaining the economic margin, and preserving or enhancing the capacity to feed people. In terms of environmental performance, our objective is to reduce the farm's carbon emissions as much as possible through agronomic solutions and to compensate locally (on the farm and its surroundings) the emissions we cannot eliminate. We also aim at becoming a positive energy farm: able to produce energy for society. But we also think that progress towards environmental sustainability should not disengage agriculture from economic profit and capacity to feed people. Positive energy farm Carbon neutral farm Feed people The 3 Ps hat trick: Objectives and values The 3 Ps approach

12 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 At the end of the 1 st act of GE+ (2006-2009), tangible results were obtained, with a significant improvement of Grignon farms environmental performance. Evolution of GHG emissions due to milk production in Grignon (2006-2009): Emitted CO2 (g/liter of milk): Perspective of Grignons environmental and food results: Plate Planet game animation for a primary school class in London: Grignon farm consumes as much fossil fuel as 100 people and emits as much greenhouse gas as 440 people...... But it can feed between 7500 and 9500 people (based on human needs in calories and proteins). Objectives and values Act 1: concrete and tangible results

13 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Our interests in environmental issues will go beyond the GHG emissions and fossil fuel consumptions problems, and will include the following new indicators: Biodiversity Water quality Variation of soil carbon stock Farming system protein autonomy Risk management During the 2 nd act of GE+ (2010 2013), new environmental indicators will be integrated and the scope of intervention will be expanded. The environmental issue will go beyond the GHG emissions and fossil fuel consumptions problems, and will include the following of new indicators: The scope of intervention of GE+ will be expanded at different levels: Exportation of tools and methods from Grignon farm to a whole network of demonstration farms on energy and GHG issues Participation of GE+ to other research and experimentation programs (UMT N 2 0, EcoPhyto 2018) Change of scale: from the farm to the territory Integration of an industrial channel approach Objectives and values Towards Act 2

15 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Political and economic context Global performance of the system described into details LIVESTOCK CROPS Purchase of crops inputs CROPS OUTPUTS LIVESTOCK OUTPUTS Purchase of livestock feed Fodder nutritional values Effluents fertilization values Areas Yields Crop management Rotation constraints Diet according to age Grazing calendar Etc. A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site PerfAgro P3: presentation of the tool

16 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 GLOBAL PERFORMANCE of the system described into details Quantity of work (hours/yr) Fossil fuel used on the farm (MJ/an) Cost of constraints (milk quota, farm area, etc.) Examples of output indicators GHG emissions Etc. Economic margin (/an) Number of people fed A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site PerfAgro P3 performance indicators (the 3 Ps) LIVESTOCK CROPS Global performance of the system described into details Dairy cow diet at different lactation stages

17 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site Example of a crop-livestock farm: initial situation Cultivated area: 392 ha 3 zones, 117 dairy cows (1 050 000 L/yr), 153 bull calves, 2 broiler houses 400 m 2 (estimations)

18 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 formances (1) A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site A crop-livestock farm: performance pathways

19 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Monthly calculation of performance indicators Impact coefficients Material & energy flows Information on cropping systems Environmental performance dashboard Detection of levers for improvement of agricultural and processing activities Critical examination of impact coefficients Adaptability to other farms 2 3 We keep analytical accounts of GHG emissions & energy consumptions of all farm activities on a monthly basis thanks to the "environmental dashboard". A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site Environmental performance follow-up 1

20 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Better knowledge and understanding of crops impacts on climate Contribution to and questioning of existing references on N 2 O emissions from crops Important interannual variations of emission coefficients Gradient Time Since 2008, we have been developing a reliable and effective platform for the measurement of N 2 O emissions from our 8 types of crops. x 3 1234 A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site Measurement of N 2 0 emissions from crops

21 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Better understanding of mechanisms underlying enteric methane emission Contribution to and questioning of existing references 1 2 1.SF 6 capsule 2.PVC evacuated tube 3.Capillary tube reaching the cows nostrils Since 2009, enteric methane emissions from cows have been measured using a method based on the SF6 tracer technique. 123 A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site Measurement of cows enteric methane emissions (1/2) (1) 333 98 g CO 2 e (1): neither the CH4 emissions from excrements, nor the emissions from non productive cows are included (heifers, dry cows)

22 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Selected indicators Better understanding of the impact of our practices on biodiversity Contribution to references on agricultural biodiversity Testing and questioning of existing biodiversity indicators 1 2 3 Bird observation, May 2009 Flora indentification on barley field, May 2009 Melanargia galathea, June 2009 Cynthia cardui, July 2009 Aphantopus hyperantus, June 2009 Since 2009, we have been following 3 groups of species depending on agricultural practices and implementing a biodiversity diagnosis (IBEA). A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site Biodiversity follow-up

23 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Thanks to our expertise on agricultural practices & different measurement techniques, we are now able to conduct experiments on several topics. Ability to test different technical itineraries (e.g. fertilization strategies)on N 2 O emissions 1 Ability to test different feeding strategies on productivity & enteric methane emissions Ability to test new machines or technologies (e.g. chaff harvesting) 2 3 A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site A high-potential experimental capacity

24 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 With several agricultural cooperatives, we are building up a network of energy and GHG demonstration farms based on Grignons experience. PerfAgro audit of the farm and identification of improvement pathways 1 Identification of technical solutions applicable to the farm and approval by farmer and cooperative Definition of pertinent environmental performance indicators and setting up of a follow-up system 2 3 Implementation of selected technical solutions and indicator follow- up 4 The network now groups 9 crop-livestock farms of the West of France at stage 3. A transparent and farm-scale experimentation site Indicators follow-up beyond Grignon farm

25 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Introduction - the GE+ program framework Objectives and values A transparent and farm-scale site for demonstration, experimentation and innovation Results and perspective for wheat and milk production Positive communication and civic education

26 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Some of the practices implemented since 2007 Maintenance of a high production level Increase in share of legumes in crop rotation More grazing for non productive cows (dry cows and heifers) Increase in cattle feed energetic density (e.g. with rape cake) Minimal soil work whenever possible Test of energetic crops on 3 ha (switchgrass & miscanthus) Cereal chaff harvest Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

27 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Stable energy consumptions for wheat since 2008 Fertilization: 50 to 70% of consumptions Fuel: 18 to 27 % of consumptions - 18% Experimental results by Arvalis (Boigneville, France) : 1658 to 2140 MJ per ton Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

28 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Slightly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions Fertilization: 83 to 88% of emissions Fuels: 8 to 14 % of emissions - 14% Experimental results by Arvalis (Boigneville, France) : 278 to 365 kg CO2 per ton Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

29 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Contributing factors 20062007200820092010 Mineral nitrogen inputs (kg N/ha)138176151165151 N residue after winter (kg N/ha)13193974766 Yield (ton/ha)6,96,48,57,98,3 Yield target (ton/ha)8,78,48,58,18,6 Need for yield targets which are consistent with soil potentials. It is necessary to secure the soil potential in order to limit yield variations (tolerant plant varieties, use of PPPs when necessary) Need for measuring N residues after winter. It is useful to follow N needs with proper tools (N-tester ). In case of over-fertilization: rapeseed and/or intermediate crops can help getting back most of the nitrogen. Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

30 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Since 2006, energy consumptions and greenhouse gas emissions due to milk production have been decreasing by respectively 40% and 20%. A virtuous dynamic in milk production Standard milk (70g of protein & fat), economic allocation between milk and meat Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

31 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Milk production in Grignon emits a relatively low quantity of GHG compared to other milks produced worldwide. Grignon's outstanding performance Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

32 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The environmental performance of milk production in Grignon affects positively the performance of Grignons yogurt. The environmental impact of yogurts * Agricultural steps of milk production in Grignon (70%) and of production of milk powder (30%) which is added to the yogurt Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

33 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Farm step: the key for performance 20% of CO 2 saved Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

34 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 80% of the decrease in fossil fuel consumption due to milk production can be accounted for by feed (type of feed and cow productivity). Factors involved in milk production performance Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

35 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 New solutions will be developed in order to compensate energy consumptions and GHG emissions that cannot be decreased. Energy crop production (miscanthus, switchgrass ) 1 MethanizationSolar energy 2 3 Solutions for environmental impact compensation Results and perspectives for wheat and milk production

36 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Introduction - the GE+ program framework Objectives and values A transparent and farm-scale site for demonstration, experimentation and innovation Results and perspective for wheat and milk production Positive communication and civic education

37 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The GE + team reports on agricultures improvement possibilities and feasible technical solutions through information campaigns to professionals and students in academic agricultural training. The GE+ program is supported by a website visited by 3,000 people/month in average. A technical database was created to gather the bibliographic elements related to energy and climate change in agriculture. A training on Agriculture, energy and GHG has been proposed to AgroParisTech students for two years. The 1 st edition of the Positive Agriculture Meetings placed under the patronage of the Agriculture Minister was organized at Grignon in 2008 and gathered about a hundred participants. The GE+ team very often participates in seminars and conferences and organizes farm visits for professionals. Positive communication and Civic education Communication towards professionals

38 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 Positive communication is used in order to adapt to this particular context where consumers are hyper sensitive to the environmental issues, while being more and more distant from the agricultural field. Positive communication and Civic education Positive communication: why?

39 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The Grignon farm welcomes more than 12,000 visitors per year and communicates also through the diffusion of different types of documents. Communication on productive, high-performing real agriculture Communication on environmental improvement pathways of agriculture Communication on benefits that agricultural producers provide to society Positive communication and Civic education Positive communication: how?

40 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 In terms of civic education, pedagogical tools about food, nutrition and climate have been developed and can be used in or outside the farm (in schools, for special events, etc.). The yoghurt-bike: to count the number of calories required to produce one yoghurt. The miniature Positive farm: to show the relative importance of each farm activity on the global greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumptions. The game "It is good on my plate, for me and for my planet!" allows children to create a meal that is both nutritionally balanced and low-carbon emitting. This game has been used by a wide variety of players (agricultural cooperatives, major outlets, territorial administrations, etc.) The educational GE+ website Positive communication and Civic education The offer of educational tools

41 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 The development of the pedagogical tools implies: more educative workshops proposed to pupils in Grignon, in partner farms and in secondary schools, games and information relayed on the educational website, development of a new game on biodiversity issues The 2 nd act of GE+ includes the development of new pedagogical tools and a review of the Grignon farm tour. Review of the Grignon farm tour in order to: Underline the improvement potential of high- productivity production systems Educate young students about the modern agriculture challenges (climate, energy, biodiversity, food) Positive communication and Civic education Towards Act 2

Thank you for your attention!!

43 Olivier Lapierre, Dominique Tristant, Sophie Carton, Aline Lapierre, Yves Python et Bernard de Franssu February 2011 More information http://www.agroparistech.fr/energiepositive Aline Lapierre : [email protected] [email protected] Sophie Carton : [email protected] [email protected]

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