Information provision strategies for sustainable and climate-friendly production methods: an analysis of lower saxony’s dairy sector

In light of the worsening climate crisis, the dairy sector plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in this sector is a complex undertaking. The livestock sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes significantly to agriculture’s impact on the climate. In Germany, agriculture accounts for 8% of national greenhouse gas emissions, with 42% attributable to livestock farming (BMEL, 2024). In addition, the agricultural sector accounts for 75% of national methane emissions, which are primarily generated by the digestive processes of cattle. Lower Saxony, a region with intensive livestock farming, produces 22.4% of Germany’s milk (BZL, 2024), highlighting the central role of the dairy sector in the state’s emissions profile.
This project focuses on Strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Lower Saxony’s dairy sector and aims to, provide farmers with information and solutions to support climate-friendly practices in the region..
The project analyzes climate protection measures that farmers are both willing and able to implement, and then communicates these measures to farmers through appropriate information strategies. The goal of the project is to link research findings with concrete, agriculture-related practices that simultaneously deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits. Through the systematic evaluation, co-design, and communication of climate protection measures, we aim to equip dairy farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to contribute to climate goals while improving the sustainability of their farms.
The project will cover all key climate protection measures at the individual farm level. However, in line with ZERN’s research priorities and ongoing projects, particular emphasis will be placed on mitigation options related to grassland. The sustainable management of grasslands to mitigate climate change is of central importance to the future of Lower Saxony’s agriculture and food sector and is directly linked to ZERN’s grassland projects. Furthermore, on-farm management measures such as adjustments to feeding strategies, breeding decisions, and animal health measures are key levers for reducing emissions, which means this project is closely linked to ZERN’s animal projects.
This project is a collaboration between the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at the University of Göttingen and the Institute of Business Administration at the Thünen Institute.

Project lead:

Prof. Dr. Doris Läpple, University of Göttingen

doris.laepple@uni-goettingen.de