Abstract
The sustainable intensification of farming systems is expected to increase food supply and reduce the negative environmental effects of agriculture. It is also seen as an effective adaptation and mitigation strategy in response to climate change. Our aim is to determine farmers’ and other stakeholders’ views on how higher crop yields can be achieved from their currently low levels. This was investigated in two stakeholder workshops arranged in North Savo, Finland, in 2014 and 2016. The workshop participants, who were organized in discussion groups, considered some agricultural policies to discourage the improvement of crop yields. Policy schemes were seen to support extensification and reduce the motivation for yield improvements. However, the most important means for higher crop yields indicated by workshop participants were improved soil conditions with drainage and liming, in addition to improved crop rotations, better sowing techniques, careful selection of cultivars and forage grass mixtures. Suggested solutions for improving both crop yields and farm income also included optimized use of inputs, focusing production at the most productive fields and actively developed farming skills and knowledge sharing. These latter aspects were more pronounced in 2016, suggesting that farmers’ skills are increasingly being perceived as important.
Highlights
Agriculture in northern European regions, such as Finland, is limited by the short growing seasons and low accumulated temperature sums during the growing period [1]
Farm subsidies based on utilized agricultural area and decoupled from crop choices and production intensity are paid as specified in CAP (Common Agricultural Policy of the EU)
Farmers and various agricultural stakeholders in the North Savo region of Finland participated in workshops arranged in November 2014 and November 2016
Summary
Agriculture in northern European regions, such as Finland, is limited by the short growing seasons and low accumulated temperature sums during the growing period [1]. Climate change is projected to prolong the growing seasons and increase the temperature sums [2,3]. Crop yields are projected to increase in Northern Europe [1,4], the range in climate change projections allow for both positive and negative yield effects [5]. The potential for higher crop yields has been identified in new, better adapted cereal cultivars for longer growing periods and higher temperature sums [5,6]. Pest and disease pressure is likely to increase with the higher temperature sums and warmer winter conditions [8]. The increased frequency of extreme weather conditions, such as increased precipitation, heavy rainfall and drought, further
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