Sowing cereals and protein crops under grassland for agroecological transition

This document details a low-investment agroecological farming transition in France, supported by EU funding, featuring cereal and protein crop undersowing to enhance nutrient cycling and biodiversity. It outlines minimal costs for authorization, advisory services, infrastructure, certification, and working capital. Key benefits include significant reductions in energy and input use (fertilizers, pesticides), high payback periods, increased self-sufficiency in animal feed, improved soil health, and enhanced animal welfare. Additional income is generated through agroecological payment schemes. The approach reduces workload, supports youth engagement, and demonstrates strong environmental and economic returns. Analysis funded by the European Union; views are solely those of the authors. References include studies on cereal undersowing and a DOI-linked paper.