The extent to which mixed agricultural and agroforestry systems are characterised by higher efficiency and better resilience to the consequences of climate change is the central question of the EU project "MIXED".
In ten countries, a total of 14 networks are being considered, covering different thematic areas: Among others, organic apple hens as a combination of fruit farming and laying hens, creation of structural elements by planting rows of trees and copses or the rewetting of boglands and their sustainable use.
The 8th Forum Agroforestry Systems, organised by DeFAF from 29-30 September 2021 in Bernburg an der Saale, brought together associations, politicians, scientists and practitioners to discuss the advantages, framework conditions and development opportunities of this land use system, which is still rarely used in Germany. For the IfLS and the MIXED project, the forum offered interesting insights into the constantly growing agroforestry community. There was also the opportunity to present the first
project results and to contact interested persons and farms for cooperation.
For more than 25 years, the ArGe Donaumoos e.V. has been concerned with the conservation and development of an open, ecologically intact boglandscape - including the rewetting of organic soils. On the basis of a close partnership between agriculture and nature conservation, the aim is in particular also to manage the moor through land use that protects nature and the climate. In this context, the ArGe Donaumoos is an important network partner in the MIXED project, which was once again confirmed by the field days organised by the ArGe from 2-3 October 2021. In addition to a panel event and expert discussion, exhibitions of special machinery as well as various excursions offered all interested parties the opportunity to gain insights into this socially relevant topic and to exchange ideas over a water buffalo sausage.
Due to the Corona pandemic, the Europe-wide project-internal exchange, as well as the cooperation with the Agroforestry Network and the ArGe Donaumoos, has so far taken place exclusively online. Even though we all have to come to terms with the "new normal", personal exchange remains an important factor for successful cooperation. In this respect, we would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the organisers who took the trouble to implement the events with the applicable regulations.
Contact person at IfLS: Simone Sterly (sterly[at]ifls.de)
