Biodiversity for Sustainable Dairy Farming: A Practical Implementation Guide

Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem services, climate regulation, pollination, soil health, and climate change adaptation. This strategy for biodiverse dairy farming focuses on functional agrobiodiversity, landscape and species diversity, and regional connectivity. A standardized Biodiversity Monitor uses KPIs to assess on-farm and broader impacts, supporting improved soil quality, forage and milk production, and environmental sustainability. The approach enhances economic, social, and environmental resilience, with key practices including hedge and waterway protection, nutrient cycling, and manure recycling. It is supported by innovation and tailored to farm-specific conditions, ensuring viable incomes. The One Health framework links soil biodiversity to nutrient cycling, pest control, and pollination. See the full guide at: https://biodiversiteitsmonitor.nl/docs/Biodiversiteitsmonitor_engels.pdf. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme (grant agreement N° 101000770).