The objective of this project is to improve the adaptation to climate change of a poultry farm in Villamartín de Campos (Palencia)

The objective of this project is to improve the adaptation to climate change of a poultry farm in Villamartín de Campos (Palencia) by carrying out an adaptation plan and implementing different measures. The initiative, launched by the Villamartín Livestock Cooperative Society (COGAVI), has the support of the Biodiversity Foundation through its call for grants.

Poultry farming, specifically duck farming, is an activity that depends largely on adaptation to climate change, as the biological cycles of birds are highly influenced by the climate. For this reason, it is necessary to know the effects and risks derived from it, to guarantee the viability of the operation and anticipate decision-making with the aim of maximizing resources and reducing costs.

The project has identified the negative effects of climate change on poultry farming through a life-cycle process analysis methodology. COGAVI has designed a plan that will allow it to adapt its duck farm to the consequences of climate change derived mainly from risks associated with sudden changes in temperature, seasonal changes, increased survival of parasites, drought, loss of pasture and soil and increased energy consumption to maintain climatic conditions in the facilities.

Thanks to a participatory process, once the impacts and possible existing adaptation measures have been identified, it has been possible to design a roadmap with the best options to adapt the farm. The project also includes the implementation of some of them, such as energy and water audits, the calculation of the carbon footprint, the pilot implementation of watering troughs that minimise water losses or the installation of shaded areas to prevent evapotranspiration.

Outside the scope of the project, the installation of photovoltaic panels to take advantage of the increasing solar potential of the area, and improve efficiency in water management, also stands out.