What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore methods for achieving nitrogen self-sufficiency in organic farming through the integration of crop and livestock systems.

June 9, 2026Open Access

Towards nitrogen self-sufficiency in organic farming: a theoretical case study on a French territory

Key Points

This research aims to explore methods for achieving nitrogen self-sufficiency in organic farming through the integration of crop and livestock systems.
Development of tools to support the implementation of crop-livestock systems.
Analysis of barriers and drivers affecting the success of integrated farming.
Collaboration with key agricultural partners to enhance mixed farming practices.
Effective integration of livestock and crops can significantly improve nitrogen cycles.
Identified key factors influencing the successful adoption of mixed farming systems.
Advancement in sustainable practices supports economic and environmental goals.

Abstract

No. 106 – march 2026 – Structuring and Generating Innovation in Integrated Crop and Livestock SystemsSPICEE Joint Technology Network – (Structurer et produire l'innovation dans les systèmes ayant des cultures et de l'élevage ensemble) - Structuring and Generating Innovation in Systems Combining Crop and Livestock Production – was accredited in 2020 for a period of five years. Its aim is to identify general principles for the joint operation of animal and plant production at farm level, within a group of farms and across a region, as well as the conditions for the success of approaches to closing production cycles. To this end, methods and tools adapted to the diversity of forms and contexts in which crop-livestock systems exist must be developed. The integration of crop and livestock farming is seen as a lever to support the agroecological transition, taking into account the depletion of non-renewable resources in a context of climate change and increasing economic uncertainty. This issue covers: - The performance of mixed farming systems - Mixed farming systems in organic agriculture - Crop-livestock interactions at the regional level - Barriers, drivers and tools for implementing crop-livestock interactions The RMT involves the following partners: Idele (RMT lead partner), Acta (co-lead partner), INRAE (co-lead partner), Itavi, EPL Radingem, Montmorillon, Nevers, Trust'ing, CA Occitanie, Centre, Normandy, Brittany, Creuse, Saône-et-Loire, Unicor, Arvalis, Ifip, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Craw, Agro-Transfert, UMR Metis, Agrofile, AgroCampus Ouest, ESA, EPL Fontaines, Quetigny, Coop de France, UTT, CIRAD, GIE Elevage Occitanie, AgroParisTech, Inter Afocg, Fermes de Figeac, CIIRPO, UniLaSalle, Itab, Adour-Garonne Water Agency, VetagroSup,

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