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Description of the project
Green belt Frankfurt/Main: Development of environmentally friendly forms of agriculture in the context of communal policy
The main characteristics of future land use in the urban fringe of bigger cities are
(a) the decline of food production,
(b) the increase of the protection of natural resources,
(c) the development of biodiversity and
(d) an attractive landscape for recreational purposes.
The main aim of the R+D project was to contribute towards environmentally sensitive farming in the urban fringe of Frankfurt by adapting agricultural land use to the specific requirements of urban fringes. The project emphasised the need for a more multifunctional agriculture that promotes nature conservation, recreation and environmental education for children. Proposals were made for the development and implementation of a conceptual framework for agri-environmental policies at the municipal level. Methods used: literature review; analysis of statistical data; key person interviews; market analysis for foodstuffs produced by organic farming methods; establishing and promoting an interdisciplinary working group including farmers, local and agricultural administration, nature conservationists and external experts. Results: a conceptual framework for an agri-environmental programme at the local level has been developed. Pilot projects were initiated at the interface between landscape planning and farming reality to bring the social and ecological interests of citizens together with economic needs of the farmers. Examples are
(a) the increase in riding horse husbandry which requires extensively managed grassland and
(b) the establishment of a production plant for juice and wine that exclusively processes fruit crops from old orchards.
Furthermore, a recent analysis of the demand for foodstuffs produced under organic farming conditions in Frankfurt shows that the supply of products is still insufficient with respect to both quantity and quality, especially fresh vegetables, meat and dairy products. The results are supposed to encourage farmers to start organic agriculture. Following the study, the city of Frankfurt has initiated biannual meetings of experts from German urban regions dealing with agricultural aspects in the urban fringe. The conceptual framework is being successively implemented by the city of Frankfurt; several articles in the local newspapers have referred to the project as well as two radio broadcasts.
Contact person at the IfLS: Jörg Schramek
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Client:
City council of Frankfurt/Main
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