LIFE Clean Air Farming

Reducing Ammonia and Methane Emissions from Agriculture to Improve Air Quality and Climate Protection

Field of action: Agriculture & the Food Sector

Project goals: The reduction of ammonia and methane emissions from agriculture through better implementation and improvement of respective legislations, capacity building and change of consumption patterns

Project area: Germany, France and Belgium (Brussels)

Duration: August 2018 – July 2022

Background

In Europe, agriculture is responsible for over 50 % of methane and 90 % of ammonia emissions. Methane and ammonia emissions have a negative effect on human health, the climate and ecosystems. The joint consideration of methane and ammonia is not very common, but advisable as they have similar sources. Reduction measures should therefore always focus on improving the air quality and protecting the climate, so as not to have one-sided effects. Up until now, the main challenges are the lack of knowledge and implementation of legislation.

Implementation

One of the key elements of the project are dialogues with agricultural and political stakeholders. The contribution of European NGOs to the revision of relevant directives and programmes is coordinated within the project and measures for the reduction of methane and ammonia are discussed with agricultural associations. Food companies and standards will be motivated to include reduction measures in their criteria and sourcing guidelines, and the topic of food waste is addressed.