Production potential of grassland and fodder crops in high-output systems in the Low Countries in north western Europe and how to deal with limiting factors

摘要

The farming community currently growing fodder crops and grassland in areas with intensive dairy production in the EU is confronted with opportunities and threats related to (1) characteristics of cropping systems, (2) scientific and technological developments, (3) tightening of regulations, (4) scarcity of land and restricted freedom of use of the land, (5) changing climate and (6) changes in consumer attitudes and behaviour. Using highly productive varieties in appropriate crop rotations, and applyinggood agricultural practices, offers opportunities for reducing environmental impacts hence proactively preventing further strengthening of the regulations. The scarcity of land in densely populated areas and ongoing restrictions on the freedom to use the land are confronting intensive dairy farmers with problems for which technical solutions may not bring relief. The decreasing consumption of animal products in the developed world may change land use in the future.