DLF alfalfa - when sustainable farming generates higher value
DLF is part of the global vision of a sustainable future as summarized in the UN Global Goals. It is a focal point in our green agenda to provide farmers worldwide with sustainable agricultural solutions. DLF Alfalfa is one of many sustainable products that increase agricultural productivity and goes hand in hand with a climate-neutral future
A focus area in DLF is to contribute to sustainable forage solutions to the benefit of farmers and our climate
DLF Alfalfa is a locally produced protein source with high nutritional value and a high output, generated on low input
Import of protein affects the climate
The global demand for reduced greenhouse gas emissions is a high priority. In dairy and meat production, locally produced forage solutions, with high productivity, will balance the greenhouse gas emissions in a more sustainable direction.
Locally produced protein for forage is recognized as having a positive effect on the climate. By reducing long-distance transport of protein sources, carbon emissions will be considerably reduced.
The root of solutions
Proteins have an important role in forage production because they generate a high productivity in dairy and meat production. Alfalfa and grass forage mixtures have proven to deliver up to four times higher yield in drought conditions compared to grass production fields.
With DLF Alfalfa farmers will be able to:
- Promote locally produced protein
With DLF Alfalfa in locally produced forage solutions the amount of protein will be maximized per hectare and farmers will be less dependent on imported protein.
- Experience high stability over years
Due to its extensive rooting ability, DLF Alfalfa will find moisture from deep in the soil, allowing it to continue growing also in very dry conditions.
- Reduce input cost
DLF Alfalfa has symbiotic nitrogen fixation and requires a minimum input of pesticides.
Less transport and carbon emission
By enabling farmers to grow local forage protein, DLF Alfalfa contribute to reduce carbon emission. This improves forage digestibility and boost milk and meat production. As a result, farmers save money, improve output and support long-term sustainable farming.
The UN Global Goals
DLF solutions are optimized to maximize output and minimize the input of other resources by being resilient to changed climate conditions. Optimized solutions from DLF, reduce the global climatic and environmental impact. DLF Alfalfa makes a unique contribution to:
- Achieve food security by increasing productivity (goal 2)
- Takes urgent action to combat climate change by sequestrating carbon (goal 13)
FACT BOX
- DLF Alfalfa contains up to 20% protein compared with 14% for grasses and 9% for maize.
- DLF Alfalfa Introduces the equivalent of 250 kg N fertilizer
- DLF Alfalfa and grass mixtures generates up to 5% higher crude protein content in home-produced forage compared to grass
- DLF Alfalfa is deep rooting and improves soil fertility and -health
- DLF Alfalfa is extremely resilient to drought