The self-assessment tool is an easy-access, user-friendly tool, and based on indicators for optimum grazing capacities on farm level and fine-tuning by theoretical and practical expertise from all member states. It provides the basis for discussion between advisors, extension officers and practitioners for the assessments of European grazing-based farms who are striving to improve their agroecological performance.
Its main purpose is to help grazing-based livestock farms evaluate their practices in relation to five key agroecological principles. These principles include the health and welfare of animals, the reduction of external inputs, the prevention of pollution and nutrient losses, the diversity and resilience of the production system, and the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The tool has fundamentally been co-designed with practitioners and is undergoing further improvement. It is important to note that this tool is not a certification system. Instead, it is designed as a decision-support instrument. By using the tool, farmers can identify their strengths, detect gaps in their practices, and prioritize areas for improvement. Over time, repeated assessments allow farms to monitor their progress and adapt their strategies to become more sustainable.
