Emily Leinbach’s Post

What do you think about Denmark imposing a “livestock tax” on farmers in order to accelerate the plant-based transition? This will be a part of its new green deal for agriculture, which will also include buying land from farmers and converting it into forests and creating a fund to encourage the expansion of plant-based agriculture. The context behind this is that agriculture is Denmark’s largest source of emissions, contributing to over 22% of its climate footprint – expected to rise to 46% by the end of the decade. In particular, it wants to curb nitrogen pollution from fertiliser runoff, which has damaged its coasts and fjords. I think these sound like positive steps for the planet. But I do wonder how this will go down with Danish farmers. Buy-in from all major stakeholders is key for getting initiatives like this to work. Hopefully, farmers will be provided with support to transition to plant-based farming, as well as offered financial incentives. #Agriculture #PlantBased #PlantBasedFarming #LivestockTax #MeatAndDairyTax Image by Annie Spratt from Unsplash

How Climate-Smart Grazing is Helping Honduran Cattle Farmers Thrive The future of beef cattle production is sustainable. At FGH International Agribusiness Consulting, we're proud to support small Honduran farmers in implementing climate-smart practices that benefit their herds, their land, and the environment. Here in Honduras, deforestation and drought pose significant challenges to traditional grazing methods. FGH works with farmers to adopt techniques like: Rotational grazing: This allows pastures to recover, promoting biodiversity and healthier soil. Improved forage varieties: Drought-resistant grasses ensure cattle have access to nutritious feed year-round. Silvopasture: Integrating trees into pastures provides shade for cattle, reduces soil erosion, and sequesters carbon. These practices not only improve cattle health and productivity but also: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting carbon sequestration and reducing deforestation. Increase resilience to drought through improved water management and soil health. Support biodiversity by creating healthier ecosystems for native plants and animals. FGH's impact extends beyond Honduras. We're a leading force in promoting climate-smart agriculture across Latin America, empowering small farmers to become responsible stewards of the land while ensuring the future of their livelihoods. Interested in learning more? Contact FGH International Agribusiness Consulting today! www.fghagro.com #climatesmartagriculture #honduras #beefcattle #sustainability #FGHConsulting

Here is a new article from The Guardian, for which I had the opportunity to be interviewed, on regenerative livestock farming in Bolivia. It is, without a doubt, one of the most thoughtful and candid analyses for non Bolivian audiences I have encountered on this topic in years. For the first time, I notice a shift: traditional environmental actors are publicly recognizing that cattle expansion—and the resulting deforestation—will not be curbed as long as the speculative land business model driving it remains unchallenged. This perspective marks a significant step forward, as it moves beyond the often simplistic notion that adopting more environmentally sustainable production methods alone can generate the economic benefits that will stop deforestation. From my viewpoint, the deeper issue lies in the dynamics of the land business, which continue to fuel the expansion of cattle ranching. ''Organisations such as the Conservation Strategy Fund, Foundation for the Conservation of the Chiquitano Forest and Consorcio Regional de Experimentación Agropecuaria, have promoted structural changes that disincentivise the conversion of forest to farmland in Bolivia, cutting off the supply of cheap land. That means, for instance, controlling the free distribution of public forest lands, altering legislation that fosters wildfires and deforestation, and halting inexpensive loans that fund the clearing of forests. Only then, says Justiniano, will the economic calculus tilt in favour of investing in existing farmland. “Cheap land keeps the model going,” he says. “Many people think there is still lots of forest in Bolivia, that we can keep doing it this way for another 20 or 30 years – but there isn’t.” https://lnkd.in/eDccpZjJ

The Australian government has announced the termination of the live sheep export trade by 2028, along with a $107 million support package for the industry's transition. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt emphasised the plan aims to enhance onshore meat processing and create more local jobs, presenting it as a strategic shift towards more humane and sustainable practices. This decision could have implications depending on their involvement with agricultural practices and land management. The shift towards onshore processing could necessitate new strategies for land use and environmental management to accommodate increased local processing activities. Additionally, as the industry adapts to the end of live exports, there may be opportunities to support sustainable agriculture initiatives and assist in developing environmentally friendly practices for the newly structured sheep meat industry. This could also tie into broader conservation efforts and collaborations with farmers transitioning away from live exports, ensuring both economic viability and ecological sustainability. See the article here: https://ab.co/3ypqip7

The Australian government has announced the termination of the live sheep export trade by 2028, along with a $107 million support package for the industry's transition. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt emphasised the plan aims to enhance onshore meat processing and create more local jobs, presenting it as a strategic shift towards more humane and sustainable practices. This decision could have implications depending on their involvement with agricultural practices and land management. The shift towards onshore processing could necessitate new strategies for land use and environmental management to accommodate increased local processing activities. Additionally, as the industry adapts to the end of live exports, there may be opportunities to support sustainable agriculture initiatives and assist in developing environmentally friendly practices for the newly structured sheep meat industry. This could also tie into broader conservation efforts and collaborations with farmers transitioning away from live exports, ensuring both economic viability and ecological sustainability. See the article here: https://ab.co/3ypqip7

Our regenerative cattle farmer field school curriculum is complimented by a series of handbooks, the 'Manual de Buenas Practicas de Ganaderia Regenerativa en la Amazonia Peruana' is the first of an eight part series. They contain 'recipes' for success in regenerative cattle farming. Volume one explains management of soils and grasses, how to capture microorganisms from the forest and deploy on the farm, how to prepare biofertilizers, biofungicides, organic pest and parasite controls and mineral and protein salts. If you've been wanting to kick start organic and regenerative practices to secure the long term sustainability and profitability of your cattle farm in the Amazon, this manual is for you! Produced with love for the farmers of AGRAP - Alianza por la Ganaderia Regenerativa en la Amazonia Peruana by WWF Perú, Tropical Forest Alliance, Climate Group with funds from the UK Parntership for Accelerated Climate Transitions.

Farming Book explores ways to create a more sustainable future TWO Laois farmers are among the contributors to a groundbreaking new book that explores practical ways to create a more sustainable farming future. John McHugh from Clondarrig, Portlaoise, and Bruce Thompson from Ballyfin joined forces with other nature lovers in 'The Farming for Nature Handbook', launched this week. With contributions from more than 50 Irish farmers, the book also shares farmers’ experiences of how working with nature can help reduce costs and improve incomes. At his farm in Portlaoise, dairy farmer and Farming For Nature ambassador John says that most farmers underestimate the scope to reduce costs and remain profitable by farming for nature. He explains: “I think it’s time that we stop farming for the industry and start farming for our own, our families', and our communities’ wellbeing. That will see us looking back to nature.” It is illustrated with watercolours and sketches by farmer and artist Clive Bright, as well as digital images by scientific illustrator William Helps. The book is described by President Michael D. Higgins as “a timely and essential contribution to the ongoing discourse on how we, as a society, must respond to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.” Published by Dingle Publishing, it is available to order for €30 at www.farmingfornature.ie. It was supported financially by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Lifes2good Foundation. Read more https://lnkd.in/ezAQZ4_a #euinmyregion #eujtf #midlandsadvantage #farming #farmingfornature Business For Biodiversity Ireland Farming for Nature Laois Chamber Ethical Farming Ireland

Today, on #WorldOctopusDay, Compassion in World Farming revealed new research that shows governments across the globe have spent millions in public funds developing the cruel and unsustainable practice of octopus farming – with the vast majority coming from the Spanish Government. 🔍 Our research estimates that a total of at least €13.3 million has been spent worldwide, with Spain leading the way at €9.7 million, including €3.6 million funded through #EU support. Meanwhile, Italy has invested over €250,000 in such projects. Outside the EU, Chile has spent €2.4 million, New Zealand over half a million Euros, Australia €324k, and Mexico received €89k via the #UN. 🚨 Alarmingly, much of this information is not freely available, suggesting that the true figures could be much higher. This points to the urgent need for greater transparency in public spending so that governments can be held accountable. 📊 A poll commissioned by Compassion and Eurogroup for Animals revealed that 79% of people across nine EU countries believe that public money should only fund sustainable aquatic farming. In Spain, an overwhelming 83% of people agree. In response, more than 90 NGOs and experts – including #PeterSinger, Eurogroup for Animals, #OceanBornFoundation, #WorldAnimalProtection, and Jennifer Jacquet – have joined Compassion in writing to Spanish Prime Minister #PedroSánchez and his ministries, urging them to cease funding, work towards banning octopus farming altogether and move towards sustainable food systems that benefit animals, people, and the planet. You can help amplify the message by sending a message to the Spanish government, here: https://lnkd.in/dG9_T4u8 #EndIt La Moncloa Gobierno de Canarias (Joint letter was sent in Spanish)

The Australian government has announced the termination of the live sheep export trade by 2028, along with a $107 million support package for the industry's transition. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt emphasised the plan aims to enhance onshore meat processing and create more local jobs, presenting it as a strategic shift towards more humane and sustainable practices. This decision could have implications depending on their involvement with agricultural practices and land management. The shift towards onshore processing could necessitate new strategies for land use and environmental management to accommodate increased local processing activities. Additionally, as the industry adapts to the end of live exports, there may be opportunities to support sustainable agriculture initiatives and assist in developing environmentally friendly practices for the newly structured sheep meat industry. This could also tie into broader conservation efforts and collaborations with farmers transitioning away from live exports, ensuring both economic viability and ecological sustainability. See the article here: https://ab.co/3ypqip7

🌿🐑 🌳Embracing Sustainable Practices: Integrating Love Grass and Livestock in Orchards Our client, a South African-based Macadamia farmer, is committed to cultivating not just exceptional quality crops, but a thriving ecosystem with an innovative approach to managing grass growth in his orchards. By strategically integrating African lovegrass and introducing livestock into his orchard, he is harnessing the power of nature to maintain a healthy balance. Lovegrass acts as a natural ground cover, reducing soil erosion, retaining moisture, and promoting soil health. Meanwhile, his furry friends graze on the grass, keeping it at an optimal height and density without the need for chemical herbicides or mechanical mowing. This harmonious synergy between plants and animals not only enhances the health and productivity of an orchard but also minimises our environmental footprint. It's a win-win-win for crops, the soil, and the planet. 🤔🌿We are eager to learn from you too! What management practices do you implement to foster sustainability in your agricultural endeavours? Share your insights in the comments below, and let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. #OmenAg #TheSignOfSuccessfulAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #RegenerativeFarming