Research project Reduction of ammonia emissions from livestock housing
General introduction
Through research, how can we expand the arsenal of possible, ammonia-reducing measures in livestock farming, to provide more opportunities for farms to meet their nitrogen emission limits by 2030? From the Flemish environmental policy, the so-called 'PAS reference 2030' for each pig, poultry or cattle farm determines the maximum ammonia emissions that may still occur by December 31, 2030. To achieve that PAS Reference 2030, the livestock farming industry must implement recognized ammonia emission-reducing measures to reduce nitrogen emissions. Currently, the supply of recognized ammonia-reducing measures is limited. The RAMMONIA research project aims to develop additional, broadly applicable measures, giving livestock farmers more choice in achieving their PAS objectives.
Research approach
RAMMONIA is a five-year research project that started on May 1st 2025. It is funded by the government of Flanders (Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries) and carried out in collaboration between ILVO, Proefbedrijf Pluimveehouderij, Inagro, PVL, and Hooibeekhoeve.
Within the project, at least four (combinations of) ammonia-reducing measures will be selected, implemented and the emissions will be measured. These measures or combinations are intended to be broadly applicable in the cattle, pig, and/or poultry sectors. The measurements are carried out in accordance with the official guidelines for emission determination and serve as the basis for an application for official recognition at the Vlaamse Landmaatschappij (VLM). In addition, the research centres Proefbedrijf Pluimveehouderij, Inagro, PVL, and Hooibeekhoeve are being trained to conduct the measurements independently.
Relevance/Valorization
RAMMONIA contributes to a broader, practice-oriented range of recognized ammonia reduction measures for the livestock sector in Flanders. The focus is on measures that are widely applicable, sufficiently enforceable, affordable, and valorisable.
