SNOWBAL

Intensified agricultural production is a major cause of eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. It has also lead to a decline in the biodiversity of the agricultural landscape. Farming has become more intense especially in the Baltic countries. In order to counteract the negative impacts of the ongoing intensification it is necessary to develop economically effective and environmentally friendly farming methods. An increased use of grasslands and wetlands to produce products such as meat and bioenergy could provide long-term solutions and alternatives to current agricultural practices.

The overall goal of SNOWBAL was to reduce the nutrient run-off to the Baltic Sea by increasing animal production based on semi-natural pastures and hay meadows with high natural values and by increasing the number of wetlands. The project also demonstrated that farming and safeguarding of ecological functions, nature conservation and business can be combined.

The awareness of new farming methods (referred to as SNOWBAL methods) was spread through study trips, workshops, work camps, village meetings, farm visits, fact sheets and outdoor exhibitions. These outreach activities targeted mainly farmers and entrepreneurs. The SNOWBAL methods were developed further by evaluating the impact on biodiversity and the economy. Bottlenecks in implementing the methods were also pinpointed. Policy recommendations have been distributed to decision makers in all of the participating countries (SE, LV, EE).

Guidelines for management of farm land

SNOWBAL produced a series of publications covering practical management of farm land. In addition, policy recommendations were drafted on the basis of analyses conducted in the project.

The publications cover for instance methodological aspects of management of grasslands, examples of management activities in real cases, economic analyses, the role of wetlands in production of bioenergy, and practical advice for beef production. As an example of the publications, the handbook for beef production is attached. The full series of publications is published on the project website.

Handbook Baltic beef ENG

www.snowbal.net

Fact sheets for management of farm land

A series of fact sheets was produced and handed out to farmers, entrepreneurs and other main target groups responsible for the practical management of farm land.

A total of 19 fact sheets were produced in English, Swedish, Latvian and Estonian. Three of the fact sheets are attached as examples. The fact sheets provide very practical guidance about management methods that would contribute to a better environment. All produced fact sheets are available on the project website.

Grass leys ENG
Manure ENG
Wetlands ENG

www.snowbal.net