Methane from the fermentation process of dairy cattle is the largest non-energy emissions source in Gelderland agriculture. This makes the livestock transition decisive for agricultural climate targets, alongside soil management, nutrient management and land use.
The source links this emission to the wider agricultural task: a smaller livestock herd, regenerative agriculture and better nutrient management need to be designed together. Focusing only on methane reduction is too narrow. The strongest value emerges when emissions reduction is combined with soil restoration, water quality, biodiversity and new farmer revenue models.