Energy efficiency and diversity of agricultural production systems: case studies of farms in Burgundy

Abstract

The energy efficiency of a farm is the ratio of energy produced to the sum of all the direct and indirect energy used. Eleven farming systems which are representative of agricultural production in Burgundy (vineyards excluded) are analyzed:–two arable farms, with efficiency above 5;–three mixed farms (arable/livestock), with efficiency between 1 and 5;–six livestock farms with efficiency lower than 1.In livestock farming, feeding comes top or second of the list of energy consumers. In other farms, direct energy comes first, followed by fertilizers for arable farms. Cross exchange of organic feed and manure between arable and livestock farms in the same local region could be the answer to achieving sustainable local agriculture and a better use of local agricultural resources.