Regenerative farming supports soil carbon sequestration in Finnish fields
Regenerative farming is a key component of Valio’s Climate Programme. We aim to develop more sustainable agriculture that not only produces high-quality food, but also maintains the health of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Regenerative farming is based on methods that improve soil health and increase carbon sequestration in fields. In organic soils, the aim is to reduce soil emissions. The basic principle is simple but effective:
- Maximize photosynthesis: Continuous plant cover, balanced fertilization, and dense, lush vegetation increase photosynthesis, which sequesters carbon in the soil.
- Minimize disturbances: Slow down the decomposition of organic matter by tilling the soil as little as possible. Maintain good soil structure and use only the necessary amount of pesticides.
- Maximize microbial activity in mineral soil: Extensive root systems and a field with a pleasant scent are signs of active microbial activity in the soil. This improves nutrient cycling and soil structure and promotes the formation of persistent carbon compounds in the soil.
Grass is a superfood for cows
Milk production in Finland is based on grass forage, which cows are able to utilize efficiently. Unlike in many other countries, the cows at dairy farms in Finland primarily eat grass and no soy at all. Their diet is supplemented with, among other things, domestic grains and plants produced as a byproduct of rapeseed oil production.
We continue the legacy of Artturi Ilmari Virtanen, the Nobel Prize-winning inventor of AIV feed, who spent his career in Valio’s laboratory. We are constantly seeking new solutions so that grass can serve a dual purpose: to provide the best possible nutrition for cows and to support carbon sequestration in fields.
Over 1,600 trained carbon farmers
Valio has been actively promoting regenerative farming for more than five years. We have trained more than 1,600 farmers in regenerative farming practices, and currently around 2,200 Valio dairy farms are implementing regenerative farming actions. This translates to a total of approximately 200,000 hectares under regenerative farming practices.
For regenerative farming practices, we pay a sustainability bonus of one cent per litre of milk produced.
Farm pilots and projects keep the development curve high
We are developing carbon farming tools and calculation models in close collaboration with external research institutions. Several significant projects are currently underway:
- Carbon flux towers: Three farms are participating in a pilot project that measures the carbon sequestration capacity of mineral soil fields in real time.
- UUSTILA research project: Four dairy farms are participating in a project that is investigating the impacts of regenerative farming on farm economics as well as on the climate and biodiversity.
- AGCLIMATE project: We are developing science-based methods and tools for assessing and reducing the climate impacts of fields.
- Calculation systems: We are working with the Finnish Meteorological Institute to develop a scientifically sound and transparent field-specific calculation model to ensure that carbon removals can be reliably verified.