A pilot study by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will individually determine net carbon on up to 170 farms across the UK.
Supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and AHDB funding of £2.5m, the long-term vision is to create a standardised nationwide data set across livestock and arable sectors.
The study will focus on measuring the net carbon position of farm businesses, including carbon sequestration potential.
See also: Oilseed rape still a viable option despite recent challenges
On-farm activities include aerial LIDAR (light ranging and detection) to assess above ground carbon stocks and water run-off, and analyses of field soil carbon levels and soil.
These datasets will allow the industry to move away from relying on national and international averages.
The pilot will also show agriculture’s ability to deliver public benefits such as improving water quality and reducing greenhouse gases.
AHDB chief executive Graham Wilkinson said the positive impact of agriculture is sometimes lost due to a lack of data: “We all know that agriculture has a critical role to play in achieving Government targets, however, the picture is often more complex because of our role in not only producing greenhouse gasses but our ability to store and sequester carbon across the whole farming system.
“This project is not just about measuring carbon or soils, it is a transition to informed action. AHDB is bringing the industry together on this mission and has committed to investing significant levy funds to lead this baselining pilot.”
Chris Gooderham, AHDB livestock science and environment director, said: “Early on we will also be able to gauge the relative capacity of above ground and below ground carbon, the impact of farming methods and land uses on emissions, carbon stocks, biodiversity, run off risk and soil health.
“By measuring and analysing this data it will help us understand the critical elements that could be rolled out across the rest of the industry.”
AHDB say their ambition is to get baselining rolled out in every country, and to use the technology to eventually push the limits of remote monitoring from satellites.
Recruitment processes are underway, and more information can be found here.
