In the morning, participants from the areas of agriculture, consulting, and research learned about the current status of a cost-benefit calculator for biodiversity friendly farming practices. The tool is being developed as part of the FarmBioNet project and is intended to help farms understand the potential operational costs associated with various measures. It also assesses the potential benefits or advantages these measures may offer.
During a workshop, FarmBioNet team members presented the current status of the tool to test its practical applicability with the participants. This validation is taking place in all twelve partner countries and is intended to help further develop the cost-benefit calculator.
Realistic, practical evaluation is important
To assess the tool, three biodiversity-promoting measures selected in advance were examined and discussed in depth. "We discussed the conservation of wetlands, the management of fallow land, and the conservation and protection of species-rich permanent grassland," says project manager Carolin Vogelsang. It quickly became clear how important practical experience is for a realistic assessment. "For example, it can make a significant difference whether farmers implement a measure on land they own or on leased land," explains Vogelsang.
After the theoretical session, everyone headed out in the afternoon to get a closer look at the farm and its land. They drove to two different pastures, each where herds of the distinctive Highland cattle were grazing.
Insights into Grassland Management
Farm manager Martin Holm shared insights into some 30 years of organic grassland management and the many decisions - both large and small - he has made to integrate biodiversity into day-to-day farm operations. One particularly interesting approach involves deworming the cattle. Holm no longer uses synthetic chemical dewormers prophylactically. Instead, he assesses the animals' health through frequent checkups and treats them only when necessary. In this context, the farmer emphasizes: "Over time, our herd has become increasingly immune and is in excellent health." Through such approaches, he reduces the use of deworming agents. This, in turn, benefits insects that live in manure.
It is precisely such examples that make it clear that promoting biodiversity does not consist solely of individual, visible measures, but can also be influenced by operational decisions regarding animal husbandry and farm management.
"The farm visit provided ample opportunity for questions and open discussions about which approaches have proven effective, where conflicting goals arise, and how nature conservation, animal husbandry, and economic requirements can be reconciled," says project manager Carolin Vogelsang, adding: "The day in Worpswede demonstrated exactly what FarmBioNet is all about: making practical knowledge visible, sharing experiences with one another, and working on these issues together."
Further Information
Contact
Links
- fibl.org: The "FarmBioNet" project in the FiBL project database
- farmbionet.eu: FarmBioNet project website