In the rolling hills and rugged landscapes of the UK’s upland regions, a silent revolution is brewing. For decades, these areas have been dominated by grassland-based livestock systems, shaped by policies aimed at boosting food security. However, the traditional approaches to improving productivity have led to a decline in performance, as native grasslands have been replaced by sown pastures that have since been overtaken by unsown grass species. But now, a new wave of thinking is sweeping through the agritech world, promising to transform these marginal areas into powerhouses of sustainable agriculture and ecosystem services.
Mariecia D. Fraser, a researcher at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University, is at the forefront of this shift. Her recent study, published in the journal ‘npj Sustainable Agriculture’ (Natural Plant Journal Sustainable Agriculture), argues that advances in plant breeding could radically improve livestock production efficiencies in these areas. But to make the most of these opportunities, a fundamental shift in how we develop and test new grass and legume varieties is needed.
Fraser emphasizes the urgency of this transition. “We need to move away from traditional frameworks,” she says. “The old ways of thinking won’t cut it anymore. We need to promote the sustainable management of natural resources, encourage nature recovery, adapt to climate change, and support a just transition to zero carbon agriculture.”
The implications of this research extend far beyond the agricultural sector. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the energy transition, the role of sustainable agriculture in carbon storage and water management becomes increasingly critical. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these advancements. By enhancing ecosystem services, these improved upland pastures could contribute to carbon sequestration, helping to offset emissions from energy production and use.
Fraser’s work highlights the potential for these marginal areas to become key players in the fight against climate change. “We’re talking about a win-win situation here,” she explains. “Improved livestock production efficiencies mean better economic outcomes for farmers, while enhanced ecosystem services mean a healthier planet for everyone.”
The path forward is clear: embrace new thinking, invest in plant breeding, and reimagine the role of upland pastures in our agricultural and energy landscapes. As Fraser’s research shows, the future of sustainable agriculture lies in our ability to adapt and innovate, turning challenges into opportunities for a greener, more resilient world.