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Knowledge4Policy
KNOWLEDGE FOR POLICY

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We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

Publication | 2023

Agricultural Breakthrough Technology 4: Crop and livestock breeding

Crop yields, livestock productivity, and food nutritional content ar e all negatively impacted by climate change. Breeding resilient crops and livestock is crucial to address increased temperatures and changing weather patterns. This involves developing varieties and breeds that can maintain yields while withstanding climate stresses, use resources efficiently, and emit fewer greenhouse gases (GHG). However, there are limits to adaptation, and GHG reduction across all sectors must be a priority to limit the adverse effects of climate change. Breeding can help reduce emissions by promoting water-efficient crops, improving nutrient utilisation, and enabling more efficient livestock feed conversion. But breeding programs must consider animal welfare and health to prevent unintended consequences.