Research project Climate actions and smart water management with economic potential on farm

General introduction

For two subsectors of the Flemish horticultural sector—namely fruit growing (apples and pears) and open-field vegetables—this project has developed a customized climate assessment and guidance program based on the KLIMREK method. A unique feature is the specific focus on smart water management. To this end, KLIMREK-T includes a combined climate and water management pathway. The goal was to implement climate-smart measures that reduce net greenhouse gas emissions and increase the climate resilience of horticultural businesses. The climate and water program consists of a climate and water scan and a climate and water course. The scan reflects the current situation of the individual business, along with areas for improvement. In the so-called climate course—the step following the climate scan—the participating horticulturist receives an economically calculated plan with guidance toward effective and feasible climate-smart measures.

Research approach

KLIMREK is a Flemish climate guidance methodology developed by ILVO that can map out action plans for farms in various agricultural subsectors based on their own business processes. In this horticulture chapter, as with all other Klimrek chapters, comprehensive life cycle assessments (LCA) of representative farms form the basis for simplifying the process into a practical tool—the climate scan. This tool examines the most significant emission and consumption categories. Once again, trained climate consultants conducted these scans at the horticultural businesses. They used data from accounting records and other data sources. Potential measures were assessed for environmental benefits and for economic and practical feasibility. Each company was benchmarked, and annual scans quantified the progress. The company’s performance was assessed across multiple environmental impacts to prevent problem shifts caused by climate actions.

Relevance/Valorization

Within the KLIMREK-T project, both the climate scans and the climate action plans for fruit and vegetable growers have been successfully developed. The climate consultants provided guidance to 24 unique horticultural businesses, 12 unique fruit-growing businesses, and 12 unique vegetable-growing businesses. These businesses were monitored over several years, yielding unique insights for the sector. Special attention was paid to water use on the farm through a water scan. Here, farms can choose between a comprehensive scan or a very quick self-scan that links to potential measures suitable for the farm. All water-related measures have been documented and compiled on the Water Portal at partner Viaverda. Additional consultants are being trained for the climate programs in the spring of 2026. The Flemish government is incorporating Klimrek-T into its subsidized AKIS advisory services, and Klimrek-T will continue as a collaboration among the research partners. In addition to individual guidance, horticulturists also receive group guidance through learning networks. Contact with experts and fellow horticulturists has proven very useful for exchanging experiences, tips and tricks, and the practical feasibility of measures.

Financing

Vlaamse Overheid
Limburgse Tuinbouwveiling cv
Boerenbond
Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen
VeGeBe cvba
Greenyard NV
BAYER CROPSCIENCE NV
KBC
Tessenderlo group