Transitioning toward sustainable dairy systems in Europe: A systematic literature review

Summary

This systematic review synthesises a decade of peer-reviewed evidence on Europe's transition toward sustainable dairy systems, examining implemented agroecological practices alongside enabling and constraining policy, economic and technological factors. The authors identify fragmentation in policy support and data availability as key barriers, whilst highlighting opportunities through multiactor collaboration and standardised evaluation frameworks. The work provides a foundation for guiding future research, policy and implementation toward resilient, sustainable dairy production across diverse European agroecosystems.

UK applicability

The UK, as a major EU dairy producer pre-Brexit, has substantial commonality with the farming systems, policy landscapes and sustainability pressures reviewed across Europe, though post-Brexit policy divergence and distinct regulatory frameworks now require consideration. UK dairy farmers may find the identified agroecological practices, policy models and barriers highly relevant, though the absence of UK-specific policy analysis within a Europe-wide frame may limit direct applicability to current UK support mechanisms.

Key measures

Range of agroecological practices implemented; policy support mechanisms; socio-economic drivers; technological innovations; identified barriers (fragmented policy, data limitations, insufficient farmer incentives); opportunities for just transition

Outcomes reported

The study synthesised peer-reviewed literature on agroecological practices (rotational grazing, breed selection, reduced-input systems) being implemented across European dairy farms and identified barriers and opportunities for sustainable transition. It examined the roles of policy frameworks, socio-economic drivers, technological innovations and multiactor collaboration in supporting dairy sustainability.

Topic tags