Understanding and improving the sustainability of agro-ecological farming systems in the EU (UNISECO)

Geographical location	Germany
Main geographical location (NUTS3)	Braunschweig, Kreisfreie Stadt
Keywords	Farming practice Landscape / land management Agricultural production system Animal husbandry and welfare
Additional keywords	agroecology
Main funding source	Horizon 2020 (EU Research & Innovation programme)
Project Identification	Multi-actor project
Project type	Research project
Starting date	2018
End date	2021
Project status	Ongoing
Website	UNISECO Project Website

Title (in English):

Objective of the project (native language):

The ambition of UNISECO is to tackle the challenges of producing public and private goods using agro-ecological approaches. Using multi-actor platforms it aims to strengthen the sustainability of EU farming systems through co-constructing practice-validated management strategies and incentives for agro-ecological approaches. It will enhance the understanding of socio-economic and policy drivers and barriers for development and implementation of agro-ecological approaches. Its methodological toolkit will enable assessments of environmental, economic and social impacts of innovative strategies and incentives at farm and territorial levels.

Objective of the project (in English):

Description of activities (native language):

Project objectives will be achieved by a transdisciplinary approach towards: a) setting up knowledge sharing platforms, b) analysing and understanding drivers and barriers for agroecological approaches through consultation and co-learning, c) empirical data collection in participatory case studies, co-learning and co-construction of innovative management strategies and incentives, d) territorial modelling and application of practice-relevant indicators for assessing sustainability of farming systems, e) developing a toolkit of methods enabling actors assess impacts of management strategies, market incentives and policy instruments promoting agro-ecological farming in Europe.

Description of activities (in English):

Project coordinator

Contact person:

Gerald Schwarz

Address:

Thünen Institut, Bundesallee 50, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany

E-mail:

gerald.schwarz@thuenen.de

Phone:

+495315965140

Partner category:

Researcher

Project partners

Contact person:

Gerald Schwarz

Address:

Thünen Institut, Bundesallee 50, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany

E-mail:

gerald.schwarz@thuenen.de

Phone:

+495315965140

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Andrea Povellato

Address:

CONSIGLIO PER LA RICERCA IN AGRICOLTURA E L'ANALISI DELL'ECONOMIA AGRARIA, Via Po 14 , 00198 Roma, Italy

E-mail:

andrea.povellato@crea.gov.it

Phone:

+390647856931

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

George Vlahos

Address:

AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS, Iera Odos 75 , 11855 Athens, Greece

E-mail:

gvlahos@aua.gr

Phone:

+302105294711

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Karlheinz Erb

Address:

UNIVERSITÄT FÜR BODENKULTUR WIEN, Gregor Mendel Strasse 33 , 1180 Wien, Austria

E-mail:

karlheinz.erb@boku.ac.at

Phone:

+4314765473715

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

David Miller

Address:

THE JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE, Errol Road Invergowrie , Dd2 5da Dundee, UK

E-mail:

David.Miller@hutton.ac.uk

Phone:

+441224395276

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Pete Smith

Address:

THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN, King'S College Regent Walk, Ab24 3fx Aberdeen, UK

E-mail:

pete.smith@abdn.ac.uk

Phone:

+441224272702

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Philippe Fleury

Address:

INSTITUT SUPERIEUR D'AGRICULTURE ET D’AGRO-ALIMENTAIRE, ISARA, 23 Rue Jean Baldassini , 69007 Lyon, France

E-mail:

pfleury@isara.fr

Phone:

+33427858558

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Kristina Veidemane

Address:

BALTIJAS VIDES FORUMS, Antonijas Iela 3-8 , Lv-1010 Riga, Latvia

E-mail:

kristina.veidemane@bef.lv

Phone:

+37167357551

Partner category:

Representative of an NGO

Contact person:

Zymantas Morkvenas

Address:

BALTIJOS APLINKOS FORUMAS VSI, Uzupio Str 9/2-17 , 01202 Vilnius, Lithuania

E-mail:

zymantas.morkvenas@bef.lt

Phone:

+37052559145

Partner category:

Representative of an NGO

Contact person:

Adrian Müller

Address:

FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FUR BIOLOGISCHEN LANDBAU STIFTUNG, Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland

E-mail:

adrian.mueller@fibl.org

Phone:

+41628657252

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Katalin Balazs

Address:

GEONARDO ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD, Zahony U 7 , 1031 Budapest, Hungary

E-mail:

uniseco@geonardo.com

Phone:

+3612506703

Partner category:

SME

Contact person:

Janne Helin

Address:

LUONNONVARAKESKUS, Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland

E-mail:

janne.helin@luke.fi

Phone:

+358295326119

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Elin Röös

Address:

SVERIGES LANTBRUKSUNIVERSITET, Almas Alle 8, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden

E-mail:

elin.roos@slu.se

Phone:

+4618671866

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Carlos Astrain Massa

Address:

GESTION AMBIENTAL DE NAVARRA S.A, Calle Padre Adoain 219 Bajo , 31015 Pamplona, Spain

E-mail:

castraim@gan-nik.es

Phone:

+34650212181

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Alexandra Puscas

Address:

ASOCIATIA WWF PROGRAMUL DUNARE CARPATI ROMANIA, Bd. Tudor Vladimirescu 29 Sector 5 , 050881 Bucuresti, Romania

E-mail:

apuscas@wwf.ro

Phone:

+40262224035

Partner category:

Representative of an NGO

Contact person:

Jaroslav Prazan

Address:

USTAV ZEMEDELSKE EKONOMIKY A INFORMACI, Manesova 75 , 120 00 Praha 2, The Czech Republic

E-mail:

prazan.jaroslav@uzei.cz

Phone:

+420725848879

Partner category:

Researcher

Contact person:

Marie-Alice Budniok

Address:

EUROPEAN LANDOWNERS ORGANIZATION, Rue De Treves 67 , 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium

E-mail:

legal@elo.org

Phone:

+3222343000

Partner category:

Representative of an NGO

Contact person:

Andrea Hrabalova

Address:

BIOINSTITUT OPS, Ondrejova 489/13, Chvalkovice , 779 00 Olomouc, The Czech Republic

E-mail:

ahrabal@upcmail.cz

Phone:

+420737852515

Partner category:

SME

Practice summary

Practice abstract 1

Short title (native language):

UNISECO: Strengthening the sustainability of farming systems through agro-ecological approaches

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

UNISECO’s objective is to fill the knowledge gap in overcoming barriers for developing and im-plementing agro-ecological approaches and their contributions to strengthening the sustainability of farming systems in the EU. UNISECO will develop practice-validated transition strategies and incentives for agro-ecological approaches and provide a toolkit to assess environmental, economic and social impacts of innovative strategies and incentives at farm and territorial levels.

Practice abstract 2

Short title (in English):

Mitigation of climate change by humus formation and regenerative arable farming in Eastern Austria

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

In Eastern Austria, climate change, increasing exposure to periods of water scarcity and low or declining organic matter content on arable land is challenging farming. Soil regenerating and agroecological practices help to address ecological sustainability: No or reduced tillage (site-specific), year-round green cover of high diversity and compost reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequestrate carbon in the soil and improve farmers’ resilience against climate change impacts. By implementing these soil regenerating measures, an average of 6 tons of CO2 per hectare and year is sequestrated on 4500 hectares, leading to climate change adaptation and sustaining other ecosystem services. Market mechanisms such as CO2 certificates in the Ökoregion Kaindorf may increase the income of farmers. More knowledge transfer in complex topics of soils and agroecology is needed in farmer’s education schemes. Besides, specific and systemic agroecological advice and applied research support farmers challenges. Agroecological farmers achieved the highest ecological and social sustainability performance when having a high diversity of products and alternative marketing channels. A transformation is possible if alternative market channels for agroecological products are developed and a change in the price policy for food is in place.

Short title (native language):

Eindämmung des Klimawandels durch Humusaufbau und regenerativen Ackerbau in Ostösterreich

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Im Osten Österreichs sind der Klimawandel, die zunehmende Exposition gegenüber Wasserknappheit und der geringe oder sinkende Gehalt an organischer Substanz auf Ackerland eine Herausforderung für die Landwirtschaft. Bodenregenerierung und agrarökologische Praktiken tragen zur ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit bei: Keine oder reduzierte Bodenbearbeitung, ganzjährige Begrünungen und organische Dünger reduzieren die Treibhausgasemissionen, binden Kohlenstoff im Boden und verbessern die Widerstandsfähigkeit der Böden gegen die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels. Durch die Umsetzung dieser Maßnahmen werden durchschnittlich 6 Tonnen CO2 pro Hektar und Jahr auf 4500 Hektar gebunden, was zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel und zur Erhaltung anderer Ökosystemleistungen führt. Marktmechanismen wie CO2-Zertifikate in der Ökoregion Kaindorf können das Einkommen der Landwirt*innen erhöhen. In den Bildungsprogrammen der Landwirte ist ein stärkerer Wissenstransfer zu komplexen Themen wie Boden- und Agrarökologie erforderlich. Außerdem unterstützen spezifische und systemische agrarökologische Beratung und angewandte Forschung die Betriebe bei ihren komplexen Herausforderungen. Agrarökologische Betriebe erzielten die höchste ökologische und soziale Nachhaltigkeitsleistung, wenn sie über eine große Produktvielfalt und alternative Vermarktungskanäle verfügten. Eine Transformation ist möglich, wenn alternative Marktkanäle für agroökologische Produkte entwickelt werden und eine Änderung der Preispolitik für Lebensmittel vorliegt.

Practice abstract 3

Short title (in English):

Reducing the uncertainties about income alternatives to intensive animal production in the Swiss Lucerne Central Lakes region

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

The Lucerne Central Lakes region is dominated by animal production and is one of the most intensive pig farming regions in Switzerland as well as in Europe. The high animal densities in agriculture affect water and air quality and are stagnating at a consistently high level of 75% above the Swiss average. One reason for the stagnation is that intensive animal farming is in many cases profitable and uncertainties remain about the market opportunities of income alternatives.
Public advisory needs to be even more accessible for farmers interested in income alternatives and pro-actively present market opportunities. This means that first advice needs to be affordable but should also be accessible rather spontaneously without the need for a farmer to create a written concept on the planned changes beforehand. In addition, they should strongly focus on market opportunities of income alternatives and outline the required enhancements necessary on the farm.
We suggest that farm advisory should receive more financial support to advise farmers on income alternatives to livestock production. This higher financial demand is justified by the increased accessibility of the services, but also the pro-active identification of market opportunities and the tailored support for the farmer. Since also the availability of qualified staff is a limiting factor, we recommend further increasing cooperation with other cantons, institutions and farmer associations with this regard.
As a consequence, farmers could explore the implications of switching to income alternatives more easily in the future.

Short title (native language):

Einkommensalternativen zur intensiven Tierproduktion in der Region Luzerner Mittellandseen: Verringerung der Unsicherheiten

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Die Landwirtschaft in der Region Luzerner Mittellandseen wird durch die Tierhaltung dominiert: So ist die Region sowohl in der Schweiz als auch in Europa eine der intensivsten Schweinehaltungsregionen. Die Tierdichte stagniert bei einem konstant hohen Niveau von 75 % über dem Schweizer Durchschnitt und beeinträchtigt die Wasser- und Luftqualität. Ein Grund für die Stagnation ist, dass die Tierhaltung in vielen Fällen profitabel ist und sich Landwirt*innen unsicher sind bezüglich der Marktchancen von Einkommensalternativen zur intensiven Tierhaltung.
Für interessierte Landwirt*innen sollte dahe eine Erstberatung günstig und möglichst spontan möglich sein, ohne dass zuvor ein schriftliches Konzept über geplante Änderungen eingereicht werden muss. Zusätzlich sollten Beratungsdienste vermehrt auf Marktmöglichkeiten von alternativen Einkommensquellen fokussieren und die notwendigen Verbesserungen auf dem Betrieb aufzeigen.
Wir schlagen deshalb vor, die Betriebsberatung stärker finanziell zu unterstützen, um Landwirt*innen zu Einkommensalternativen zur intensiven Tierhaltung zu beraten. Der höhere finanzielle Aufwand ist sowohl mit der verbesserten Erreichbarkeit des Angebots gerechtfertigt, als auch mit der pro-aktiven Identifikation von Marktchancen und der massgeschneiderten Unterstützung für die Landwirt*innen.
Da auch die Verfügbarkeit von ausgebildetem Personal ein limitierender Faktor ist, empfehlen wir, zusätzlich die Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Kantonen, Institutionen und Bauernverbänden in dieser Hinsicht zu verstärken.
Zukünftig sollten Landwirt*innen in der Konsequenz besser einschätzen können, welche Auswirkungen ein Wechsel zu alternativen Einkommensquellen hat.

Practice abstract 4

Short title (in English):

Sensitive arable land management in the Czech Republic – cooperation as a key element

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

Degraded arable land improves on organic dairy farms through the elimination of mineral fertilisers, reduction of pesticides, perennial and diverse crop rotation etc. Nonetheless, this farming system is economically fragile, because of an immature organic milk market. This is a potential threat to the continuation of beneficial arable land management.
Organic dairy farms agreed to creating a sales cooperative to increase chances to get a price premium for organic milk. The cooperative has been operating for several years and common sale is being carried out. But the economic fragility remained, despite farms currently reporting sufficiently good economic results.
Relevant actors identified several barriers to sustainability (e.g. knowledge gaps, sales uncertainty), as well as actions which could be a basis for a strategy to overcome them. The actions are aimed at bridging the knowledge gaps, inviting other actors in the value chain to cooperate, and increasing added value through possible joint investments.
All these actions rely heavily on increased cooperation between farmers as most of them could be prohibitively difficult/costly to arrange individually. The need for increased cooperation was recognised by actors, still they found it difficult to overcome the quite low readiness for cooperation between members of the cooperative. It would be advisable to secure a relevant external expert, who would be able to improve the level of cooperation in order to unlock the identified common actions. Cooperation between farms supports the sharing of experiences, facilitates farm management and increases the chances of survival and becoming a good example for other farms thinking about transitioning to sustainable farming.

Short title (native language):

Šetrné hospodaření s ornou půdou - spolupráce je klíčová

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Degradovaná orná půda se uzdravuje na ekologických mléčných farmách (eliminují minerální hnojiva, omezují pesticidy, realizují víceleté a pestré osevní postupy). Tento systém zemědělství je však ekonomicky zranitelný v důsledku málo rozvinutého biotrhu a nejistoty cenové prémie za biomléko. Jde o potenciální hrozbu zachování prospěšného hospodaření na orné půdě.
Ekologické mléčné farmy souhlasily s vytvořením odbytového družstva, které by zvýšilo šanci získat cenovou prémii za biomléko. Družstvo již funguje několik let a probíhá společný odbyt. Ekonomická zranitelnost však zůstala, přestože farmy v současné době vykazují dobré hospodářské výsledky.
Aktéři shromáždili několik překážek udržitelnosti (např. mezery ve znalostech, nejistota odbytu) a opatření, která by mohla být základem strategie k jejich překonání. Navržené aktivity cílí na zlepšení sdílení zkušeností a šíření znalostí, zapojení dalších aktérů v hodnotovém řetězci a udržení přidané hodnoty prostřednictvím společných investic. Všechny tyto aktivity spoléhají na posílení spolupráce mezi zemědělci, protože u většiny z nich může být příliš obtížné/nákladné pro farmu je realizovat samostatně. Ačkoliv aktéři uznali potřebu posílení spolupráce, bylo pro ně obtížné překonat poměrně nízkou připravenost ke spolupráci mezi členy družstva. Bylo by přínosné vyhledat vhodného poradce, který je schopen pomoci s prohloubením spolupráce a usnadněním realizace těchto společných aktivit. Spolupráce mezi farmami (a rostoucí sociální kapitál) podporuje sdílení zkušeností, usnadňuje řízení farem a zvyšuje šance na přežití a stává se dobrým příkladem pro ostatní farmy uvažující o přechodu na udržitelné zemědělství.

Practice abstract 5

Short title (in English):

Adding value to agro-ecological practices in market-oriented arable farming in Lower Saxony

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

The lack of added value from production systems with agro-ecological practices is an economic barrier for the transition towards sustainable farming. While agro-ecological practices enhance the environmental performance of farms, their implementation leads to lower farm income. But current channels of processing and trading do not differentiate between arable crops that were produced on farms that follow agro-ecological principles (other than organic farming certification). Consequently, market incentives and remuneration of specific agro-ecological benefits do not exist. Local actors identified key actions to stimulate agro-ecological markets and the creation of added value, which include: Initiating regional food association and engaging in food policy councils; Consumer education, including cooperation with schools through school and public procurement programmes; Developing value chain structures for processing alternative products; Integrate biodiversity standards into the supply chain; and result-based payments for environmental benefits of agro-ecological practices. Creating markets and enhancing the demand for agro-ecologically produced goods can build on an increased interest in organic and locally produced food. Regional food associations and food policy councils may enhance producers-consumers linkages, and education and awareness raising measures can increase consumers' willingness-to-pay for locally and sustainably produced goods. The creation of markets is thereby underpinned by value chain structures, integrated market standards and agri-environmental payments, which enable an adequate renumeration of the benefits agro-ecological approaches provide to society.

Short title (native language):

Marktimpulse für eine gesteigerte Wertschöpfung durch agrarökologische Praktiken im marktorientierten Ackerbau in Niedersachsen

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Der fehlende Mehrwert agrarökologischer Praktiken ist eine wirtschaftliche Barriere für die Umsetzung solcher Praktiken auf landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben. Zwar verbessern agrarökologische Praktiken die Umweltleistungen von Betrieben, aber ihre Umsetzung führt oft zu einem geringeren Betriebseinkommen. Abgesehen von der Kennzeichnung von Bioprodukten wird in der Wertschöpfungskette nicht zwischen agrarökologisch und nicht-agrarökologisch erzeugten Gütern unterschieden. Lokale Akteur:innen haben folgende Maßnahmen zur Steigerung einer agrarökologischer Wertschöpfung vorgeschlagen: Initiierung regionaler Nahrungsmittelverbände und Erzeuger-Verbraucher Gemeinschaften; frühzeitige Bewusstseinsbildung auf Konsumentenseite durch erweiterte Schulprogramme und öffentliche Beschaffungsprogramme; Entwicklung der Wertschöpfungsketten zur Verarbeitung alternativer Produkte; und ergebnisorientierte Honorierung von Umweltleistungen durch agrarökologische Praktiken. Die Schaffung von Märkten für eine agrarökologische Produktion kann auf ein steigendes gesellschaftliches Interesse an nachhaltig und lokal erzeugten Lebensmitteln aufbauen. Erzeuger-Verbraucher Gemeinschaften können die Verbindungen zwischen Erzeuger:innen und Verbraucher:innen stärken, und eine Einbeziehung von Schulen kann das Bewusstsein und damit die Nachfrage und Zahlungsbereitschaft der Gesellschaft für lokale, nachhaltig erzeugte Produkte erhöhen. Die Schaffung von Märkten wird durch Wertschöpfungskettenstrukturen, integrierte Marktstandards und Agrarumweltmaßnahmen unterstützt, die eine angemessene Honorierung der gesellschaftlichen Leistungen agrarökologischer Praktiken ermöglichen.

Practice abstract 6

Short title (in English):

Supporting knowledge networks to foster trust and attitudinal changes in farming in Lower Saxony

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

The proximity of the Nienburg County to regions with the highest livestock densities in Germany leads to high land prices and legal restrictions on farm development that expose farmers to high economic pressures. Economic aspects outweigh the increasing awareness of biodiversity loss. The willingness to implement agro-ecological practices is shaped by trust between farmers and other actors. While the level of trust between advisors and farmers is often high, lack of trust is an issue when implementing or monitoring policy measures, such as agri-environmental schemes. The attitude and beliefs of farmers are also negatively affected by knowledge gaps on suitable agro-ecological practices and their benefits. These gaps can be explained by low levels of capacity building regarding agro-ecological practices, and lack of awareness of funding opportunities for receiving suitable advice. The following recommendations were identified with local actors to address knowledge gaps and attitudes: a) Establishing formal knowledge networks of farmers and other actors with trusted agro-ecology advisors as permanent network managers; and b) Amplifying trusting relationships between farmers and advisors to facilitate network development, and building on peer-to-peer engagement through farmers that are already experienced in cooperation. Opportunities for targeted support for knowledge networks could be taken up according to Articles 71 and 72 of the proposed EU Regulation on the rules on support for the CAP Strategic Plans. Support is required that facilitates the education and introduction of local network managers, integrates advice into agri-environmental schemes, and improves agro-ecological know-how of advisors and controllers.

Short title (native language):

Förderung von Wissensnetzwerken für eine nachhaltige Landwirtschaft im Landkreis Nienburg in Niedersachsen

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Wirtschaftliche Zwänge der landwirtschaftlichen Betriebe verringern die Bereitschaft zur Umsetzung agrarökologischer Praktiken und setzen sich gegen den wachsenden Willen zur Förderung der Biodiversität durch. Die Einstellung zur Umsetzung agrarökologischer Praktiken wird durch Vertrauen zwischen Landwirt:innen und anderen Akteur:innen beeinflusst. Während das Vertrauen zwischen Berater:innen und Landwirt:innen traditionell hoch ist, zeigt sich ein Misstrauen gegenüber Naturschutz- und Kontrollbehörden. Die Bereitschaft von Landwirt:innen wird auch durch fehlendes Wissen zur praktischen Umsetzung und Nutzen der Praktiken beeinträchtigt. Wissenslücken erklären sich durch mangelnden Wissenstransfer und geringe agrarökologisch ausgerichteter Kooperationen. Mit lokalen Akteur:innen wurden folgende Empfehlungen erarbeitet: a) Aufbau von formellen Wissensnetzwerken von Landwirt:innen und anderen Akteur:innen mit Agrarökologie-Berater:innen als lokale Netzwerk- und Umsetzungsmanager:innen; b) Stärkung vertrauensvoller Beziehungen zwischen Landwirt:innen und umweltbezogen qualifizierten Berater:innen zur Erleichterung der Netzwerkentwicklung, um „Peer-to-Peer“-Lernen der Landwirt:innen zu fördern und Erfahrungen von Kooperationslandwirt:innen zu nutzen. Möglichkeiten zur gezielten Förderung von Wissensnetzwerken können gemäß Artikeln 71 und 72 der vorgeschlagenen EU-Verordnung zu Regeln zur Unterstützung der GAP-Strategiepläne aufgegriffen werden. Gefördert werden muss die Ausbildung und Etablierung von lokalen Netzwerkmanager:innen, integrierte Beratung in Agrarumweltmaßnahmen und das agrarökologische Fachwissen von Berater:innen und Kontrolleur:innen.

Practice abstract 7

Short title (in English):

Farmers' cooperation and networks, a key driver for the transition to agro-ecological farming systems in Navarra and the Basque Country (Spain)

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

In regions where the agro-ecological system is already strong, as in the case of small-sized agro-ecological farmers from Navarra and the Basque Country, farmers still face socio-economic fragility that puts their long-term sustainability at risk and reduces the possibility of scaling up this model, as socio-economic barriers discourage conventional farmers from initiating the transition.
To solve problems that cause socio-economic fragility (such as isolation, low social recognition, lack of support in experimentation and knowledge advisory, fragmented and undeveloped agro-ecological markets, weak eco-cooperatives and high workload that prevent farmers from participating in collective actions), research findings indicate that "strengthening farmer's cooperation and networks" is a key strategy that would improve social and economic sustainability of small-sized agro-ecological farms without worsening their already good environmental performance. Within this strategy, 3 initiatives stand out: learning communities (AKIS), peer-to-peer mentoring and a measure implemented in France that promotes farmers' participation in collective actions, known as "replacement services".

Short title (native language):

Cooperación y redes de productores, un impulsor clave de la transición hacia la agroecología en el País Vasco y Navarra (España)

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

En regiones donde los sistemas agro-ecológicos ya son fuertes a nivel medioambiental, como en el caso de los pequeños agricultores agroecológicos de Navarra y el País Vasco, los agricultores todavía se enfrentran a una fragilidad socio-económica que amenaza la sostenibilidad de los sistemas a largo plazo, y reduce la posibilidad de escalar este modelo, dado que las barreras socio-económicas desaniman a los productores convencionales a iniciar la transición.
Para resolver los problemas que causan la fragilidad socio-económica (tales como: aislamiento o soledad, bajo reconocimiento social, insuficiente asesoramiento y apoyo a la experimentación, fragmentación y poco desarrollo del mercado agroecológico, debilidad de las cooperativas ecológicas, y excesiva carga burocrática y de trabajo de los agricultores que dificulta su participación en acciones colectivas), los resultados de la investigación indican que el fortalecimiento de las cooperativas y redes de productores es una estrategia clave para impulsar la sostenibilidad económica y social de los pequeños agricultores agroecológicos, sin que ello vaya en detrimento del buen desempeño medioambiental de sus explotaciones. Dentro de esta estrategia, sobresalen 3 iniciativas: las comunidades de aprendizaje (AKIS); la mentoría entre pares; y los “servicios de sustitución”, una iniciativa que posibilita la participación de los agricultores en acciones colectivas gracias a su sustitución en las tareas agrícolas.

Practice abstract 8

Short title (in English):

Pathways of peach growers for a transition towards sustainability: an eco-efficiency and input substitution tree crop-based farming system in Imathia, Greece

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

The implementation of novel agro-ecological practices in peach orchards may help sustain the long-term economic viability of farms, whilst protecting the natural resources. Peach farmers for fresh consumption and canning, responding to increasing competitiveness of the agri-food sector and higher demand for food quality and safety in the markets, have already adopted eco-efficiency and input substitution farming practices, applying Integrated Farming and Mating Disruption methods. The proposed changes in farm management that will further progress the transition process to agro-ecological farming include the transition to a narrower canopy system combined with the application of green manure crop and selection of varieties resistant to pest and diseases with good quality characteristics. To facilitate the agro-ecological transition, all actors involved in the agri-food network need to cooperate with each other and communicate in a meaningful way. Moreover, collective incentives concerning farm modernisation and investments as well as the provision of farm advisory services offer opportunities for the wide application of sustainable farming practices that are relevant for the next stages of the agro-ecological transition. Among the expected benefits are the reduced use of plant protection products and yields of better quality.

Short title (native language):

Η πορεία της παραγωγής ροδακίνων της Ημαθίας προς τη βιωσιμότητα: βελτίωση της αποδοτικότητας με εισροές και πρακτικές φιλικές προς το περιβάλλον

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Η εφαρμογή καινοτόμων αγρο-οικολογικών πρακτικών στους οπωρώνες έχει στόχο να διατηρήσει τη μακροπρόθεσμη οικονομική βιωσιμότητα των εκμεταλλεύσεων προστατεύοντας ταυτόχρονα τους φυσικούς πόρους. Οι παραγωγοί συμπύρηνου και επιτραπέζιου ροδάκινου, ανταποκρινόμενοι στην ιδιαίτερα ανταγωνιστική αγορά του κλάδου και στην υψηλή ζήτηση για ασφαλή και ποιοτικά τρόφιμα, εφαρμόζουν ήδη εναλλακτικές μεθόδους φυτοπροστασίας στους οπωρώνες, όπως ένα Σύστημα Ολοκληρωμένης Διαχείρισης όσο και ένα πρόγραμμα φυτοπροστασίας με μεθόδους σύγχυσης των λεπιδοπτέρων. Η μετατροπή σε ένα καινοτόμο γραμμικό σύστημα μόρφωσης, η εφαρμογή χλωρής λίπανσης και η επιλογή ανθεκτικών ποικιλιών σε ασθένειες και εχθρούς φαίνεται ότι αποτελούν πρακτικές που μπορούν να ενισχύσουν τη μετάβαση προς τη βιωσιμότητα. Η μετάβαση προς την αγρο-οικολογία μπορεί να ενισχυθεί όταν όλοι οι βασικοί εταίροι της εφοδιαστικής αλυσίδας συνεργαστούν μεταξύ τους και αναπτύξουν ένα αποτελεσματικό σύστημα επικοινωνίας. Επιπλέον, οι συλλογικές επενδύσεις για εκσυγχρονισμό της εκμετάλλευσης και η παροχή συμβουλών φαίνεται ότι προσφέρουν δυνατότητες για περαιτέρω υιοθέτηση βιώσιμων γεωργικών πρακτικών, οι οποίες σχετίζονται με τα επόμενα στάδια της αγρο-οικολογικής μετάβασης. Μεταξύ των αναμενόμενων αποτελεσμάτων είναι η μειωμένη χρήση των γεωργικών φαρμάκων και η παραγωγή ποιοτικών προϊόντων.

Practice abstract 9

Short title (in English):

Soil conservation farming in Hungary: Practical lessons learnt on farm level

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

Farmers need knowledge and advisory support to accompany them along the systemic change, as well as scientific evidence to ensure the economic viability of soil conservation practices.
The specific sustainability challenge is how to adopt soil conservation practices in highly market-oriented arable farming systems, to maintain and improve soil quality without significant disruptions to the economic viability of farms. We assessed the socio-economic conditions for the adoption of such practices.
The key barriers for adoption include lack of knowledge and openness to alternative practices and lack of specific advisory services. Resolving the barriers require national level central initiation, and cooperation of different actors from the practice-science-policy domains. Practitioners can help this process by sharing their experiences about soil conservation practices, but also by cooperating with academia, private companies, public bodies and NGOs through the below mentioned initiatives.
There is a need for: (1) creating an independent professional & practical network to promote good soil condition, (2) practice-oriented advisory coupled with research and multidisciplinary studies about the economic feasibility of conservation agriculture practices, (3) enhancing the role of the Chamber of Agriculture as a coordination centre for independent advisory services.
Maintaining the qualities of soil, retaining water and improving soil health shall represent inherent and immediate economic interest for farmers. As a result, the overall operational costs can be reduced while water can be retained, soil biota supported & CO2 emissions substantially lowered.
More information: https://uniseco-project.eu/case-study/hungary

Short title (native language):

Talajkímélő gazdálkodás Magyarországon Tanulságok és legfontosabb üzenetek

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

A gazdálkodóknak ismeretekre és tanácsadói támogatásra van szükségük az agroökológiai átálláshoz, és tudományos bizonyítékokra a talajkímélő gyakorlatok gazdasági életképességéről.
A hazai esettanulmányban az agroökológiai átállás fő kérdése, hogy miként lehet talajkímélő gazdálkodási gyakorlatokat erősen piac-orientált szántóföldi gazdálkodási rendszerekbe illeszteni a talaj minőségének megőrzése és javítása érdekében anélkül, hogy az jelentős negatív hatással lenne az üzemek gazdasági életképességére.
A legfontosabb akadályok a gazdálkodók körében az ismeretek hiánya, az alternatív gyakorlatokra való nyitottság, és a speciális szaktanácsadás hiánya.
A talajkímélő gazdálkodást jelenleg gátló tényezők feloldása nemzeti szintű állami beavatkozást igényel, valamint a gyakorlat-tudomány-politika különböző szereplőinek együttműködését.
A talajkímélő gazdálkodás elterjedésének segítéséhez szükség van: (1) független szakmai és bemutató hálózat létrehozására, (2) kutatásokra alapozott szaktanácsadási szolgáltatások létrehozására, (3) gyakorlat-orientált tanácsadásra, valamint a talajkímélő gyakorlatok gazdasági megvalósíthatóságát alátámasztó tanulmányokra, (4) az agrárkamara szerepének fokozására a független tanácsadási szolgáltatások koordinációs központjaként.
A talajminőség megőrzése, a talajnedvesség megtartása és a talaj egészségének javítása a gazdálkodók eredendő és azonnali gazdasági érdekét képviseli. A talajkímélő gazdálkodási gyakorlatok nyomán a működési költségek csökkenthetők, fokozódik a talajélet, a víz megőrződik a talajban, és a CO2-kibocsátás is jelentősen csökken.
További információ: https://uniseco-project.eu/hu/case-study/hungary

Practice abstract 10

Short title (in English):

Promoting cropping system diversification in a highly specialised and market-oriented winegrowing area in Italy

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

The abandonment of marginal land due to the high profitability of specialised viticulture has reduced the quality of the cultural landscape and biodiversity and led to woody encroachment. Increasing crop diversification can address those issues. However, the lack of coordination among farmers and between farmers and downstream actors in the value chain is among the main barriers to crop diversification.
Local actors identified a strategy to remove that barrier and support the agroecological diversification in Chianti, which includes a series of initiatives: setting up pilot projects to activate new local food chains; strengthening farm advisory services to cover both the agronomic and marketing aspects of the agroecological transition; improving the coordination with local supply chains to make effective and further promote existing public and private procurement initiatives.
Recovering crop production on abandoned land could improve the care for rural landscape elements and increase farming system resilience to economic shocks, by creating the basis for new local food chains and synergies with restaurants and tourism. Having acknowledged that Biodistricts can support the agroecological redesign of the farming system at the territorial level, in 2019 Tuscany Region has enforced a Law on Organic Districts that recognises Biodistricts as institutional actors.

Short title (native language):

Favorire la diversificazione colturale in un'area specializzata nella produzione di vino e orientata al mercato

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

L’elevata redditività della viticoltura specializzata ha determinato un graduale abbandono dei terreni marginali, che ha compromesso la qualità del paesaggio culturale, ridotto la biodiversità e contribuito all’avanzamento del bosco. Diversificare le colture può risolvere tali problemi. Tuttavia, la mancanza di coordinamento tra agricoltori e tra agricoltori ed attori a valle della filiera è una delle principali barriere alla diversificazione delle colture.
Gli attori locali hanno definito una strategia per rimuovere tale barriera e sostenere la diversificazione agroecologica in Chianti, che comprende una serie di iniziative: creare progetti pilota per attivare nuove filiere locali; rafforzare i servizi di consulenza agricola sugli aspetti agronomici e di marketing della transizione agroecologica; migliorare il coordinamento gli altri attori delle filiere locali per rendere efficaci e promuovere le iniziative esistenti in materia di appalti pubblici e privati.
Tornare a coltivare i terreni abbandonati potrebbe migliorare la cura degli elementi del paesaggio rurale ed aumentare la resilienza del sistema agricolo agli shock economici, creando le basi per nuove filiere di cibo locale e sinergie con ristoranti e turismo. Avendo riconosciuto che i Biodistretti possono sostenere il ridisegno agroecologico del sistema agricolo a livello territoriale, nel 2019 la Regione Toscana ha emanato una Legge sui Distretti Biologici che riconosce i Biodistretti come attori istituzionali.

Practice abstract 11

Short title (in English):

Enhancing knowledge exchange for the adoption of agroecological practices in vineyards: the Chianti Biodistrict

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

Vineyard monoculture has led to soil degradation, environmental impacts of fertilisers and pesticides, and reduction of biodiversity. Adopting agroecological practices can address those issues. However, the lack of agroecology-specific advisory services is among the main barriers to practice diffusion in Chianti.
Recently, environmentally concerned farmers have cooperated to create the “Chianti Biodistrict”, a grassroots initiative based on strategic planning that promotes the adoption of key agroecological practices in vineyards, i.e. green cover, composting and pest monitoring. Biodistrict’s strategy includes a series of initiatives to support practice diffusion while removing the key barrier: creating small machinery rings and cooperation networks for composing agricultural residues; increasing the number of weather forecast stations to improve pest outbreak modelling, promoting an integrated Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System, able to consider the different local contexts within a wider network between research, advisors and farmers.
The adoption of the agroecological practices can mitigate the environmental impacts of intensive vineyards, by improving the use efficiency of agronomic inputs and natural resources, with beneficial effects in terms of soil quality, reduced toxicity impacts on human health and ecosystems, and organoleptic attributes of products.

Short title (native language):

Il “Biodistretto del Chianti”: un’iniziativa promossa dai viticoltori per favorire la transizione agroecologica

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

In Chianti, la monocoltura dei vigneti ha determinato problemi ambientali, quali erosione, impatto ambientale di fertilizzanti e pesticidi, e riduzione della biodiversità. L'adozione di pratiche agroecologiche può risolvere tali problemi. La mancanza di servizi di consulenza specifici per l'agroecologia è tra le principali barriere alla diffusione di tali pratiche. Recentemente, alcuni agricoltori locali hanno collaborato alla creazione del "Biodistretto del Chianti ", un'iniziativa basata sulla pianificazione strategica che promuove pratiche agroecologiche in viticoltura, quali inerbimento dell’interfila, compostaggio e monitoraggio dei parassiti. La strategia del Biodistretto comprende una serie di iniziative rimuovere le principali barriere all’adozione delle pratiche: cooperative per la condivisione di macchinari e il compostaggio dei residui colturali; centraline meteorologiche per migliorare la previsione degli attacchi parassitari; un sistema integrato della conoscenza e dell’innovazione in agricoltura, che consideri le diversità locali nell’ambito di una collaborazione tra ricerca, servizi di consulenza ed agricoltori. L'adozione delle pratiche agroecologiche può mitigare l'impatto ambientale dei vigneti intensivi, migliorando l'efficienza d'uso degli input agronomici e delle risorse naturali, con effetti benefici in termini di qualità del suolo, riduzione della tossicità per la salute umana e gli ecosistemi e migliori caratteristiche organolettiche dei prodotti.

Practice abstract 12

Short title (in English):

Agroecologically oriented farm advisory service is needed to improve farmers' knowledge and facilitate agroecological (AE) transition in Lithuania

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

Dairy farm numbers declined by 50% in the last 5 years mainly at the expense of smallholders due to insufficient adaptation to changing socioeconomic conditions. Intensification of the agricultural sector and the resulting habitat loss is observed. A pathway to solve these issues, as investigated and found in the Lithuanian case study, could be an effort for higher added value goods creation on farms, the implementation of short value chains along with the transition to more sustainable farming/agroecology (AE). Key missing aspects for the transition are knowledge on sustainable farming/agroecology and farmer entrepreneurship.
Enabling the agroecologically oriented farm advisory services could advance the sustainability of farming, improve farmers understanding of AE practices and related benefits. Consultations on AE should be provided, including field days, facilitation of farmer knowledge exchanges, and more individualised long-term consultations to guide the transition.
It is crucial that farmers associations concerned with AE development are established or the existing ones revitalised. Their capacity building is needed to provide high-quality farmer support. Entrepreneurship and higher added value produce creation should also be encouraged. Scientists should be involved for investigating agroecological farming systems and aid their advancement. Overall, the transition to organic or other forms of sustainable agriculture and short supply chains are favoured and on-demand by the EU "Green Deal". Agroecological farming practices, such as extensive grazing, will preserve biodiversity and soil, ecosystem health, enhance ecosystem services, improve quality of farmed goods and general wellbeing.

Short title (native language):

Stiprios į agroekologiją orientuotos žemės ūkio konsultavimo paslaugos gali užtikrinti agroekologijos ir darnaus ūkininkavimo plėtrą

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Pieno ūkių skaičius per pastaruosius 5 metus smuko net 50%. Labiausiai sumažėjo smulkių ūkių. Pagrindinė to priežastis yra nepakankamas prisitaikymas prie besikeičiančių socioekonominių aplinkybių. Lietuvoje stebimas ir žemės ūkio intensyvėjimas, o dėl to nyksta agrarinio kraštovaizdžio bioįvairovė ir vertingos pievų buveinės. Kaip parodė UNISECO projekto tyrimas Lietuvoje, vienas iš būdų, kaip pristabdyti dar žymesnį šių problemų įsigalėjimą, galėtų būti perėjimas prie darnesnio/ agroekologinio ūkininkavimo, aukštesnės pridėtinės vertės produktų kūrimas ūkiuose ir trumpųjų tiekimo grandinių vystymas. Tam reikalingas ūkininkų švietimas apie agroekologiją, verslumo įgūdžių vystymas. Reikalingos ir į agroekologiją orientuotos žemės ūkio konsultavimo paslaugos, ypač individualiai pritaikytos prie ūkių situacijos, lauko dienos, praktiniai mokymai ir ūkininkų žinių mainai, kurie pagerintų agroekologijos supratimą ir taikymą ūkiuose. Asociacijų, suinteresuotų agroekologijos vystymusi, įkūrimas arba esamų asociacijų gebėjimų stiprinimas, aukšto lygio konsultacijų ūkininkams perėjimo prie agroekologijos klausimais išvystymas yra itin reikalingas kaip ir ūkininkų verslumo įgūdžių lavinima. Prie agroekologijos plėtros reikšmingai galėtų prisidėti ir mokslininkai, atlikdami daugiau tyrimų apie agroekologinio ūkininkavimo sistemas. Apibendrinus, perėjimas prie darnesnio ar agroekologinio žemės ūkio ir trumpųjų tiekimo grandinių yra reikšmingas žingsnis ES Žaliojo kurso kontekste. Agroekologinės ūkininkavimo praktikos, tokios kaip ekstensyvus ganymas padės išsaugoti sveikas ekosistemas, bioįvairovę ir sveiką dirvožemį, pagerins ūkio produktų kokybę ir visuomenės gerovę.

Practice abstract 13

Short title (in English):

Strengthening Agro-Ecological Farming Practices and Economic Viability of Organic Dairy Farms in Latvia

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

In Latvia, the 25% decrease in milk and crop yields accompanying the transition from conventional to organic dairy farming practices acts as a barrier to transition. Most small conventional and organic dairy farms produce on-farm roughage and grain feed. The transition to organic dairy farming practices requires specialised knowledge and skills on organic and agro-ecological farming practices (complex crop rotations, inter-cropping, crop mixes, nitrogen-fixing crops) in order to maintain milk production and crop yields without the use of mineral fertilisers and chemical plant protection products. Many organic dairy farmers lack sufficient knowledge regarding optimal crop mixes and rotations for the maintenance of crop yields, soil fertility, and weed and pest control using organic fertilisers and biological plant protection methods.
Tailored practice-based training and advice to farmers organised by agricultural advisory services should include greater cooperation with farmer organisations and agricultural research institutions. Additionally, support should be provided for bottom-up initiatives led by local farmer groups/cooperatives tailored to address specific farm production issues and learning needs of farmers. Particularly relevant is increasing farmer-to-farmer learning and experience exchange visits to see farming practices demonstrated and explained in-situ on farms. Capacity building on organic and agro-ecological dairy farming practices is also needed by agricultural advisory services. Improving knowledge of organic and agro-ecological dairy farming practices will help to increase milk and crop yields, thus improving the overall production value and economic viability of organic dairy farms.

Short title (native language):

Stiprinot agro-ekoloģiskās prakses un bioloģiskās piena lopkopības ekonomisko ilgtspēju Latvijā

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Latvijā pāreja no konvencionālās uz bioloģisko piena lopkopības praksi ir saistīts ar piena un kultūraugu ražas samazinājumu par 25%, kas kalpo par šķērsli pārejai. Lielākā daļa mazo konvencionālo un bioloģisko piena saimniecību ražo rupjo lopbarību un graudu barību. Pārejai uz bioloģisko piena lopkopību ir nepieciešamas īpašas zināšanas un prasmes par bioloģiskās un agro-ekoloģiskās lauksaimniecības praksēm - daudzveidīgas augsekas, pasējas kultūras, kultūraugu mistri, slāpekli piesaistošās kultūras, lai saglabātu piena produktivitāti un ražību, neizmantojot minerālmēslus un ķīmiskos augu aizsardzības līdzekļus. Daudziem bioloģiskās lauksaimniecības piena ražotājiem trūkst pietiekamu zināšanu par optimāliem kultūraugu maisījumiem un augsekām, lai uzturētu ražību, augsnes auglību, kā arī nodrošināt nezāļu un kaitēkļu apkarošanu, izmantojot organiskos mēslojumus un bioloģiskās augu aizsardzības metodes.
Nepieciešamas lauksaimniecības konsultāciju dienestu organizētas pieredzē balstītas apmācības un konsultācijas lauksaimniekiem. Turklāt būtu jāatbalsta lokālas iniciatīvas, kuras ierosina vietējās lauksaimnieku grupas un kooperatīvi, lai pielāgotos specifiskiem ražošanas jautājumiem un lauksaimnieku mācību vajadzībām. Īpaši svarīgi ir nodrošināt lauksaimnieku pieredzes apmaiņas vizītes. Zināšanu paaugstināšana un prasmju stiprināšana attiecībā uz bioloģisko un agro-ekoloģisko piena lopkopības praksēm ir nepieciešama arī lauksaimniecības konsultāciju dienestiem. Zināšanu uzlabošana par bioloģiskās un agro-ekoloģiskās piena lopkopības praksēm paaugstinās piena un kultūraugu ražu, uzlabojot bioloģisko piena saimniecību kopējo ražošanas vērtību un ekonomisko dzīvotspēju.

Practice abstract 14

Short title (in English):

Mainstreaming the practice of composting in Romanian farms through an integrated package of financial and technical assistance

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

Using compost has strong benefits for soil and plant health, as an alternative to synthetic fertilisers, thus reducing the dependence on external inputs and associated costs; it can also be an opportunity for farmers to gain extra income from selling it as a professional product. However, in Romania the practice of composting is underdeveloped and it means applying insufficiently fermented and improperly stored manure.
The problem is a deficient policy framework to support this practice on a wide scale and in accordance with legal provisions - the Nitrates Directive transposed in the Code of Good Agricultural Practices. The proper management of compost implies initial extra costs for on-farm facilities and an increased complexity in how ingredients are stored, handled and in how compost is then applied on the field. There is a lack of public funding and infrastructure to cover these needs. There is also a lack of awareness and proper skills amongst farmers to avoid negative environmental impacts, and an insufficient level of diffusion of information and training provided by national authorities.
The solution would lie in a package of new tools for investment and knowledge-building: (1) a funding measure for on-farm manure storage platforms and equipment, and for investments by local Town Halls into public composting and selling facilities; (2) the use of a simplified fertilisation plan in small farms, and the coupling of fertilisation plans with regular soil testing and monitoring in large farms; (3) transfer of good practice, stimulating peer-to-peer dissemination through the emerging AKIS, which should cater to the different necessities of small farms to large farms.
More info: https://uniseco-project.eu/case-study/romania.

Short title (native language):

Răspândirea folosirii compostului în fermele din România printr-un pachet integrat de asistență tehnică și financiară

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Folosirea compostului vine cu beneficii puternice pentru sănătatea solului și a plantelor, ca alternativă la îngrășămintele chimice, reducând dependența de inputuri și costurile aferente; poate fi și o sursă de venituri suplimentare din vânzarea compostului ca produs profesional. Cu toate acestea, practica compostării este subdezvoltată și tradițional utilizată ca aplicare a gunoiului de grajd insuficient fermentat și depozitat inadecvat.
Problema este cadrul de politici publice deficitar în susținerea la scară largă a acestei practici și în acord cu obligațiile legale - Directiva Nitrați transpusă în Codul de Bune Practici Agricole. Managementul adecvat al compostului presupune costuri extra pentru infrastructură și echipamente în fermă și o complexitate crescută în modul în care ingredientele sunt gestionate și apoi în cum ar trebui împrăștiat compostul pe sol. Există o lipsă de sprijin financiar pentru a acoperi aceste nevoi, dar și o slabă difuzare a informațiilor și instruirilor de către autoritățile publice.
Soluția ar fi un pachet integrat de noi instrumente pentru investiții și creșterea cunoștințelor: (1) finanțare publică pentru ferme, pentru platforme de gunoi de grajd și echipamente, și pentru primării, pentru investiții în infrastructuri publice de compostare și comercializare a compostului; (2) utilizarea unui plan simplificat de fertilizare în fermele mici și cuplarea planului de fertilizare cu analize regulate de sol și monitorizarea solului în fermele mari; (3) transferul de bune practici, prin sistemul AKIS emergent, care va trebui să răspundă nevoilor diferite de informare, pe clase de ferme - de la mici la foarte mari.
Mai multe informații: https://uniseco-project.eu/case-study/romania.

Practice abstract 15

Short title (in English):

Agro-ecological diversification to produce more food from ruminant farms in Sweden

Short summary for practitioners (in English):

In ruminant farming, human edible feed is often imported, and manure is used to produce feed. This creates inefficient use of resources, low environmental and economic sustainability on the farm.
Agro-ecological diversification can improve sustainability and feed more people per hectare. Livestock and crops are integrated; there are fewer animals which are reared in extensive organic production, while crops are sold for direct human consumption. Manure can be used to fertilize the crops, and by-products can be fed to animals.
Increasing diversification on the farms can reduce climate impact and increase farm profitability. On average, when farmers started growing and selling more crops for direct human consumption, they increased the calories, protein and fat produced per hectare, and in some cases also increased profitability.
Networks allow knowledge exchange and decrease isolation from a strong tradition of animal farming; they are also crucial for finding actors in the value chain that are willing to buy, process and/or sell crops for direct human consumption. Price premiums schemes with private actors, such as the oat drink company Oatly and the mill Berte Kvarn, pay farmers for their sustainability practices. Policies can encourage the production of more plant-based foods.
Agro-ecological diversification can increase profitability in meat and dairy farms, as well as increase resilience as farmers have more products to rely on. Resource efficiency can be maximised through the integration of animals and crops, and more people can be fed per hectare. Moreover, extensive livestock rearing can contribute to maintaining biodiversity in semi-natural pastures.

Short title (native language):

Agro-ekologisk diversifiering för att producera mer mat från gårdar med idisslare

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Idag används en hel del foder inom idisslarproduktionen som skulle kunna ätas direkt av människor istället, till exempel spannmål, balj- och oljeväxter. Det innebär ett ineffektivt användande av resurser och orsaker olika typer av hållbarhetsproblem. Genom att i större utsträckning utfodra idisslare med grovfoder frigörs mark och biomassa som kan föda människor direkt istället. Om animalieproduktionen begränsas till resurser som inte lämpar sig som människomat minskar också den totala klimatpåverkan om konsumtionen anpassas till den mängd mat som då produceras. Genom att inte bara odla foder på gården utan även grödor till direkt humankonsumtion kan lönsamheten och resiliensen på gården öka. Det krävs dock att det finns uppköpare till grödorna som erbjuder priser och avtalsvillkor som gör det ekonomiskt attraktivt för lantbrukare att diversifiera. I detta projekt har vi följt nio gårdar med mjölk-, nöt-, och lammproduktion som valt att gradvis öka mängden grödor till humankonsumtion som de producerar. Vi såg att mängden mat de producerar ökar väsentligt och att lönsamheten i vissa fall också ökar. Dock finns för nuvarande många hinder för diversifiering. Det saknas mottagnings- och förändlingsanläggningar för vissa grödor, och det är svårt att hitta köpare och etablera bra kontrakt. Ett antal intressanta affärsförbindelser har dock skapats inom detta projekt som möjliggjort diversifiering för flera gårdar. Traditioner och brist på erfarenhet och kunskap om vissa grödor kan också hindra diversifiering. Sammarbeten och nätverk är ovärderliga, inte bara mellan lantbrukare utan i hela livsmedelskedjan för att hitta sammarbetsformer där fler aktörer delar risken som diversifiering innebär.

Practice abstract 16

Short title (native language):

Tackling shortage of skilled and informed labour to deliver transitions to agro-ecological farming systems in North-east Scotland

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

North-east Scotland has key assets which position it well for transitioning to a sustainable future. It is highly productive for a broad range of agricultural activities, particularly cereals and beef, and other primary production such as forestry and soft fruits. The emergence and application of new technologies is creating opportunities for accelerating pathways of transition. However, a barrier to such transitions could be a lack of skilled labour. There is evidence that industry and farmers need for more work-based skills, including apprenticeships, not only formal educational qualifications, and considerable competition from the energy industry.
The provision of training for land-based industries contributes to addressing the shortage of skilled labour. Scotland's Rural College in collaboration with specialist providers such as LANTRA Scotland and Digital Skills Scotland, and financial and technical support by organisations such as the RHASS, tackles the barrier over the medium term. Over the longer term, transitions to sustainable farming systems would be aided by the inclusion of topics of agro-ecology in the school curriculum. Contributions could be made to Scottish Curriculum for Excellence Organiser headings: i) People, place and environment; Fourth level social sciences; benchmark - Evaluates the role of agriculture in food production and draws at least three reasoned conclusions about the environmental impacts and therefore the sustainability of these methods. ii) Biodiversity and interdependence; Third level Sciences; Outcome – “I can explain the use of different types of chemicals in agriculture and their alternatives and can evaluate their potential impact on the world’s food production.”

Practice abstract 17

Short title (native language):

Addressing barriers of culture, mindset and institutions through effective co-creation forums and networking in North-east Scotland

Short summary for practitioners (native language):

Culture and mindset can be a barrier to transition to agro-ecological farming systems due to reliance of farmers and actors in the value chain on familiarity with existing approaches, and experience based outputs and implications for businesses. Such resistance to change, unproven approaches, or inertia in changing position, can inhibit the uptake of new ideas and practices. This can also be true of membership organisations, authorities, or wholesale or retail outlets (e.g. caution over consumer interest or demand).
One means of tackling such barriers is sharing knowledge amongst institutions (e.g. farmer representatives, public authorities) on opportunities offered by agroecological approaches to farming practices. An example of an effective mechanism for this process is the North-East Scotland Agriculture Advisory Group. This is a major cross-sectoral forum with a membership from public authorities, food processing, membership organisations, land managers and research organisations. Its remit is to provide support and advice to the agricultural sector and the wider rural economy of North East Scotland, and lobbying on behalf of the sector. It provides a model of a Multi-Actor Platform, focusing on real problems, co-creating knowledge and opportunities for the land-based sector and rural areas. It also contributes to effective communication channels with political and policy actors, and shared understanding of positions on topics, and arguments for those positions, including of relevance to transition to agro-ecological farming systems. Wider adoption of such partnerships could accelerate the uptake and successful implementation of instruments for delivering desired outcomes of agro-ecological farming systems.