Pastures protect the climate
Suckler cows and their calves graze in meadows and pastures. The sustainable use of grassland protects the soil and promotes carbon sequestration. This land is often not suitable for growing plant-based food for humans.
Pastures are valuable because they capture CO₂ and protect the soil from erosion.
Resource conservation
Suckler cow husbandry and pasture farming require the minimal use of equipment and machinery. Thanks to short transport routes in Switzerland, Natura-Beef and Natura-Veal products generate little grey energy and avoid racking up unnecessary air miles.
The sustainable use of grassland conserves the soil as a resource, while water consumption is largely limited to natural rainwater.
Feed no food
A total of 80% of Switzerland’s agricultural land consists of meadows and pastures. Herds of suckler cows make use of this land by converting grass into valuable food. This is all that is required – there is no genetic engineering involved and no use of soy or palm oil. This approach is true to the motto “From grass to meat”. The arable land remains reserved for the growth of human food. It ensures food resources are used optimally.
Minimising the climate impact thanks to pasture grazing
Pastures promote the sequestration of CO₂ in the soil: regular grazing ensures the grass grows back faster and more carbon is stored in the soil. In addition, ammonia losses are significantly lower in pastures than in stables – and there are fewer emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from manure.
Pasture farming also saves energy, as less feed has to be produced, transported and stored.
The cultivation of hedges, the edges of forests and traditional orchards also creates valuable habitats for numerous other animal and plant species.