Agriculture is at a crossroads. While it faces increasing challenges from climate change—such as unpredictable weather patterns and extreme events—it also plays a significant role in exacerbating the problem through greenhouse gas emissions. But what if farming could become a key part of the solution?
Enter organic climate farming, an agricultural approach that integrates organic farming’s nature-based and circular principles with climate-conscious practices. The projects’ first practice abstract, titled “Organic Climate Farming defined”, highlights the most recent research on the benefits organic practices can have on emissions, biodiversity, soil and more. The practice abstract is available on the Organic Farm Knowledge platform in 19 major European languages.
A more resilient way to farm
Research underscores the potential of organic farming to reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. Compared to conventional practices, organic climate farming can slash energy consumption by 15% per kilogram of produce and cuts nitrous oxide emissions (an important green house gas) by 40% per hectare. Furthermore, organic methods have been shown to store an additional 3.5 tonnes of carbon per hectare in the soil, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
But the benefits don’t stop at emissions reductions, organic farming methods significantly improve water management by reducing nitrate leaching by 28-39%, protecting water quality, and enhancing the soil’s water storage capacity—critical for dealing with climate-related water stress.
Boosting biodiversity and soil health
Biodiversity flourishes on organic farms, which support 20-95% more plant species and an increase of 30% in pollinator populations. These rich ecosystems are not only better for the environment but also more resilient to the increasingly detrimental effects of climate change.
Soil health also reaps the benefits of organic practices – organic farms demonstrate higher humus content, better soil structure, and reduced soil erosion. With water filtration rates increasing by up to 137%, organic soil is better equipped to cope with drought and extreme weather events. Moreover, organic farms have shown greater yield stability during droughts, proving their resilience in a changing climate.
A path forward
Organic climate farming offers a powerful alternative to conventional agriculture, prioritising sustainability and environmental protection. By promoting biodiversity, enhancing soil and water health, and sequestering carbon, it presents a practical path to a climate-resilient food system. As this movement grows, efforts are underway to expand knowledge of these practices and make them accessible to more farmers. Stay tuned for upcoming project publications on how organic climate farming is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.
About FiBL CH
FiBL Switzerland is a renowned research institute based in Switzerland. It specializes in conducting scientific research, providing advisory services, and promoting organic agriculture. Learn more about the rest of the partners here!
