GAIA project takes direct actions at 3 levels:
I. Applied Research & Development, contributed by the Laboratory of Nutrition Physiology and Feeding of the Agricultural University of Athens and the Research Institute of Animal Science in Giannitsa, on issues which can promote significantly sustainability of livestock farming. Thus, pilot alternative forage crops are cultivated, such as cereal – legume intercrops (vetch-barley, pea-oat, etc) and innovative ones such as sorghum, Quinoa, etc. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of these crops produced under different combinations and conditions are studied. Moreover, these forages are fed to dairy animals in balanced diets and feeding costs are evaluated. It is demonstrated that legumes can efficiently replace conventional protein feeds, often οf higher cost, while improving environmental friendliness.
Legume crops contributes to a sustainable agriculture, by:
- soil improvement through nitrogen fixation, limiting the use of fertilizers
- fields utilization through winter-time, when irrigation needs are low
- use of non-irrigated and low fertility fields
- rotation cropping system.
Thus, the domestic land is utilized for Greek feed production.
II. Dairy Farmers Training: for the diffusion of technical knowledge
The purpose of education is the diffusion of advances in scientific and technical knowledge. As a consequence, dairy farmers reduce feeding costs (amounting in 50-70% of the total milk production costs), through a) good agricultural practices implementation, b) the selection of yielding crops for animal feed and c) their efficient incorporation in animal feeding. To this direction DELTA organizes seminars for the farmers, throughout Greece, where experienced scientists provide advice to improve Farm Management.
III. Farm Advisory Program: provision of technical support to the dairy farmers
In this program, the Agricultural University of Athens with the assistance of specialized milk collection zone personnel of DELTA, collect detailed information regarding nutrition, breeding etc. for each farm participating in the program. After the data is analyzed, a guiding report is offered to the dairy farmer. As a result, a direct and practical benefit is achieved for the farmer while his awareness of the production of high milk quality is increased.
More information: http://gaiaproject.vivartia.com