Thematic Areas

Soils and especially organic matter management are fundamental for sustainable production of feed and food and the regulation of material and energy cycles. It is generally accepted that healthy soils are closely linked with biodiversity, as a large share of the world’s biodiversity lives in, on and of soils. A healthy, organic matter-rich and diverse soil has the potential to become a win-win for the climate adaptation, sustainability and yield productivity of farming.
Therefore, knowledge transfer between science and farmers, farm advisors and policy makers is essential for making sustainable and profitable farm management decisions.

Agroforestry, the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, plays a key role in climate change adaptation. By enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, increasing carbon sequestration, and interact with herd managment, agroforestry contributes to more resilient farming systems and sustainable landscapes

The European Commission has outlined several key missions to transform Europe’s energy landscape, aiming for sustainability, affordability, and security. The Energy Management area in CFD therefore focuses on optimising energy use (energy efficiency), on-farm production of renewable energy (using sources such as wind, solar, and biomass), and collaboration in energy management (e.g., energy cooperatives) to address these goals.

The Biogas Production thematic area focuses on how biogas systems can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture while enhancing resource efficiency and energy security. Key topics include optimising feedstock use, improving the efficiency of anaerobic digestion processes, and maximising the climate benefits of biogas and biomethane production. Given its cross-sectoral nature, the biogas theme closely interacts with manure management, crop production, herd management, and renewable energy systems, supporting the transition to a circular and sustainable bioeconomy

The Water Management thematic area within the Climate Farm Demo (CFD) project focuses on the vital intersection between agriculture and efficient and sustainable water use. The aim is to address the impacts of climate change such as shifting weather patterns on water availability and demand. Knowledge exchange will focus on addressing regional differences and covering different impacts and challenges related to water management and the potential solutions found, particularly at farm-level.

Herd Management is all about increasing efficiency. Major themes will be nutrition – food conversion and sourcing- genetics, housing, animal welfare , youngstock management. The use of data and new technology impacts in all of the above. In ruminants there will be a greater emphasis on decreasing embedded methane . Major connections to Enteric Methane, Grassland Management, Manure Management, Forage production , Energy and Biogas.

The Manure Storage and Spreading area focuses on the efficient use of animal manures and digestates, spreading emissions, manure-related emissions from animal housings and animal welfare, manure storage, emission mitigation, manure management chain and its optimization. This area cooperates closely with the areas of biogas, herd management, crop management, pigs, poultry and forage production.

Methane is critical when adressing environmental issues for ruminants. A lot of solutions are available for reducing its emissions. One among others is the use of feed additives. The aim of the TL areas is to share scientific and technical information on all feed additives available on the market for farmers and for the dairy industry.