Contact
Robert Obrist
(Dipl.-Ing. Agr.)
Extension and Training
Head of group
FiBL
Ackerstrasse
CH-5070 Frick
Phone +41 (0)62 865-7221
Fax +41 (0)62 865-7273
robert.obrist(at)fibl.org
Training and Extension
Linking research and practice
Integrated problem-solving requires entrepreneurial thinking and extensive knowledge of farming families. Close dialogue between research and practice is therefore vital. FiBL in Frick provides training and extension for farmers.
Our team of advisors
Master farm manager | Sustainability , biodiversity | |
Dipl.-Ing. Agr. (FH) | Arable farming, extensive meat production | |
Dipl. Biol. | Feedstuffs, plant production trials | |
Dipl.-Ing. Agr. ETH | Tillage production, farm network (Western Switzerland) | |
Dipl.-Ing. Agr. ETH | Arable farming, weed control, feed production | |
Dipl.-Ing. FH | Feedstuffs, non-ruminants | |
Dipl.-Ing. Agr. HTL | Fruit production, viticulture, plant protection | |
Dipl.-Ing. FH | Vegetable growing | |
B.Sc. Agronomy | Organic seeds, Arable farming | |
Dipl.-Ing. Agr. ETH | Region: Eastern Europe; Field of expertise: Initial and further training, advisory service development | |
Dipl.-Ing. Agr. ETH | Region: Western and Eastern Europe; Field of expertise: Processing and marketing; advisory development | |
Dipl.-Ing. Agr. ETH | Head of group, training office | |
Dipl.-Ing. Agr. HTL | Publications, general organic advice | |
Dr. Dipl.-Ing. agr. | Ethology, cows, feedstuffs | |
Processing and marketing; advisory development | ||
consultant in feeding, feeding charge Bio Suisse |
Our extension services for Swiss organic farmers
Organic crop production
Which wheat variety should I grow? How can I keep pollen beetles at bay? What can I do to prevent Colorado beetle and late blight? Our advisors are happy to help with queries about any aspect of organic crop farming.
Animal husbandry and feeding
Animal husbandry often presents a major challenge in organic production systems: keeping animals in a species-appropriate manner, ensuring that most of their feed comes from the same holding, and treating diseases preventatively as far as possible. There is no need to despair, however: our team of advisors is highly knowledgeable on the subject of animal husbandry and feeding.
Organic farming regulatory framework
Every year FiBL publishes the regulatory framework for organic farming. All ordinances, standards, directives and lists pertaining to organic production are brought together here in one volume.
For further information see www.bioregelwerk.bioaktuell.ch 
Feeds and auxiliary inputs
There are various regulations governing feeds and auxiliary inputs used in Swiss organic production. Information on the relevant directives and formalities is available from the FiBL website.
For further information see www.betriebsmittelliste.ch or www.futtermittel.fibl.org
Conversion
Successful conversion to organic production methods requires painstaking analysis and expert advice. Talk to us – we will be delighted to support you.
Your contact person: Robert Obrist
Business planning
Would you like expert support for your business planning (operations analysis, building design, transfer of an agricultural holding, legal issues, etc.)? We can help you find an innovative solution tailored to your particular circumstances.
Your contact person: Eric Meili
Our training services for Swiss organic farmers
FiBL courses
Every year FiBL runs a series of courses on various topics relating to organic production.
For further information see www.bioaktuell.ch
Organic farming school
Together with Bio Suisse and Demeter, FiBL has been running a pilot course for future organic farmers since 2004.
For further information see www.bioschule.ch
Training office
Robert Obrist of FiBL has been appointed head of the Training Office by Bio Suisse (the professional body recognized by the Swiss Confederation).
Your contact person: Robert Obrist
Online apprenticeship / internship database
FiBL maintains an online database of available apprenticeships / internships in organic production.
For further information see www.biolehrstellen.ch
Learning resources and publications
FiBL offers a range of regularly-updated learning resources and publications relating to organic production.
Contact lists
FiBL maintains various lists of contacts (e.g. Cantonal agricultural apprenticeship support services, schools offering programmes specializing in organic production).
For further information see www.bioaktuell.ch/de/auskunft/auskunft-beratung-bildung.html
Quality assurance
In conjunction with the Swiss Farmers Union, FiBL is responsible for quality assurance with regard to training of farmers specializing in organic production.
FiBL plays a role on committees and working groups and participates in the formulation of regulations.