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Cross-border arable farming – EU projects on a study tour

Several people are standing on a dirt track between a maize field and a red vehicle.

In the fields at the Strickhof in Full-Reuenthal (AG), Django Hegglin briefed the two groups on the current situation and the challenges involved in growing various crops. (Photo: Ursina Wolleb)

Several people are standing in a densely overgrown field. Some are holding writing pads in their hands, whilst the plants reach up to their hips.

To get a better look at the undersown crops, the international advisers and experts, together with farm manager Daniel Böhler, made their way into the middle of the oat field at the Oberer Berghof in Mellikon (AG). (Photo: Ursina Wolleb)

Group photo: 10 people are sitting and standing in front of a window bearing the words ‘Biofarm’.

Visit to Switzerland by the Polish group from the Organic Yields Up project. (Photo: FiBL)

In June, a group of twelve agricultural advisers from nine countries, along with nine experts from Poland, visited the DOK trial, several organic farms, and the Organic Arable Farming Days in Switzerland. The two groups took part in so-called 'cross visit' as part of the EU projects Organic Advice Network and Organic Yields Up. The focus was on learning from one another across national borders. FiBL is a partner in both projects and was responsible for organising the three-day event.

Over the course of three days, participants from the EU projects Organic Advice Network and Organic Yields Up visited a variety of farms, including the DOK trial site in Therwil, Baselland, and the Swiss Organic Arable Farming Days at the Katherinental estate in Diessenhofen, Thurgau.

Participants from a total of eleven European countries engaged in in-depth discussions with experts at the sites they visited, covering topics such as farming systems, supply chains and the day-to-day challenges of organic arable farming. The discussions also touched on differences in farming techniques, climate, and policy across the various countries. This form of practical exchange is referred to as a 'cross visit' within the EU projects and takes place several times in different countries across both projects.

Farm visits: A valuable exchange

Three farm tours per project covered the practical focus of the cross visits. At each farm, the owners presented their strategies for crop rotation, tillage, weed management, and nutrient supply. Participants found it particularly insightful to see how the farms responded differently to similar problems, whether in dealing with weeds, using catch crops and under­sown crops, or in farm management.

There were repeated discussions about which solutions could be applied to their own regions and what site-specific limitations there are. These comparisons made it clear that there is rarely a single correct answer in organic arable farming.

The DOK trial: Using long-term data as a common language

Since 1978, FiBL and Agroscope have been comparing biodynamic, organic and conventional farming systems under identical conditions in the DOK trial. A visit to the long-term trial offered participants a solid ground on which to discuss soil fertility, humus formation, yields, and the environmental impact of the various systems. The robust data from over four decades of practical research provide a unique foundation for continuing to champion organic farming. Hans-Martin Krause, who leads the DOK trial on behalf of FiBL, welcomed suggestions on how to ensure the trial's continued relevance to practical farming.

Organic Farming Days: Practice and networking

The cross visit concluded with a visit to the Organic Farming Days event. Daniel Vetterli, a member of the organising committee, welcomed the group and guided them through the field demonstrations with technical discussions. By interacting directly with practitioners, researchers and advisers, the group gained insight into Swiss organic farming.

Although the thematic areas varied greatly, the unifying element was the dialogue between participants. During breaks, conversations arose that touched on topics such as advisory methods and the further development of organic arable farming across Europe, going beyond the technical programme. The cross visits aim to facilitate precisely this kind of cross-border exchange, which is why the visit to Switzerland can be called a great success.

Authors: Bernadette Oehen and Maike Krauss, FiBL

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