A STRATEGIC COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH
Germinal believe the future of sustainable agriculture lies with science. Embedding research at the core of our strategy is part of our vision - to bring innovation closer to agriculture.
As grassland specialists we understand the need for responsible forage solutions for food production. How we grow and what we grow matters. The Germinal grassland research team at IBERS will focus on developing products that address current climate change challenges. From field to lab we are advocating strategies to support efficiency and sustainability, whilst maintaining productivity.
Developing progressive and novel varieties will aid farmers in their role as producers and stewards of the land. Soil and water are vital resources that need to be responsibly managed.
Developing crops that are more resilient to pests and environment stress, that remain productive over longer periods and mitigate climate effects will be key research objectives. Consumer health is also an important factor as it links directly to source quality. Selective breeding for quality traits in plants that improve what we consume will also inform our research activity.
PRODUCTIVE GRASSLANDS FIT FOR THE FUTURE
FORAGE RESEARCH PROJECT AREAS
Capturing carbon
The degradation of soils from unsustainable agriculture has released billions of tons of carbon into the atmosphere. Regenerative crops that put carbon back into the soil will help ensure we are protecting this resource for food production. Grassland can be a key driver for carbon capture and a better soil structure.
Stronger and deeper rooting of grasses and clovers
DROUGHT RESISTANCE / FLOOD CONTROL
Disease and pest resistance
IMPROVED TOLERANCE
More resilient grasses and forage legumes
LONG TERM CARBON STORAGE
Reducing emissions and nutrient efficiency
Excess use of finite resources such as mined phosphate leads to environmental damage. We need to grow smarter crops that use critical nutrients efficiently without sacrificing yield or quality.
Grasses with a greater yield per unit of Nitrogen applied
REDUCTION IN NITROGEN USE
Clovers which require less applied phosphate
IMPROVED WATER QUALITY
Aber High Sugar Grasses
REDUCTION IN METHANE AND AMMONIA
Aber High Lipid Grasses
REDUCTION IN METHANE
Productive home grown protein
Grassland is made up of many species and forage legumes is a valuable group within that. Farmers growing their own protein means significantly less dependence on soya imports to feed livestock, shorter supply chains and improvements in the carbon footprint of dairy systems. Red clover’s yield, and nutritive benefits make it excellent for livestock production and a rich source of nectar for pollinators.
Resilient forage legumes
PEST AND DISEASE RESISTANT
Unique white clover crossed with Ambiguum Clover
REDUCTION IN APPLICATION OF MINERAL NITROGEN
Unique stoloniferous red clovers
GREATER GRAZING TOLERANCE
Clover species high in tannins
SAFER ANIMAL GRAZING
INNOVATION IN THE MARKET
Grass is at the heart of livestock farming and it is a vital part of quality milk and meat production.
Aber High Sugar Grass (Aber HSG) is scientifically proven to reduce emissions. Feeding ruminant livestock Aber HSG can reduce the amount of harmful greenhouse gasses they omit and implemented as part of the supply chain it is a viable and sustainable option for food producers. For farmers, it is superior nutrition for animals with clear environmental benefits and production gains.
For more information on our
research team and projects:
Contact:
Professor Iain Donnison – Director at The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of Aberystwyth
Interested in building a sustainable
partnership with Germinal?
Contact:
Paul Billings – Germinal Managing Director GB