Organic Farming & Agroecology
Since the Special Report “Environmental Problems of Agriculture” by the German Federal Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) in 1985, there have been numerous other reports proving that the way we predominantly practise agriculture today is not sustainable. Neither in ecological nor in social or economic terms.
The “Council for Sustainable Development”, appointed by Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel in 2010, once again emphasised the need for an “agricultural turnaround” in its 2011 report on agriculture.
The experts write:
>> The guiding principle of sustainable land management is based on entrepreneurial farms, often in generational succession, which produce high-quality products, preserve, maintain and develop the environment, contribute to the socio-economic viability of many regions and organise farm operations in an ethically responsible manner …<<
And further:
>> Organic farming is a guiding principle for the further development
of the European agricultural model…<<
This is why the Sustainability Council also describes organic farming as the “gold standard” in its conclusion…..
Consulting, research, seminars, workshops….
- Organic farming
- What are the dos and don’ts for organic farmers?
- Does this also apply to food processing?
- From A as in agroecology, to Z as in zero tillage…
- Soil health
- Energy requirements
- Yield
- Climate protection and adaptation
- Product quality
- Animal husbandry
- Water conservation
- Legal bases and principles
- Different organic associations and their rules
- Markets – regional, national, international
- History of organic farming in Europe – international…
- Regenerative agriculture
- Working with nature….
- “Regenerative or restorative agriculture” – What is meant by this?
- Is it a science?
- A movement?
- Or a farming system?
- Zero-tillage – often overrated.
- Agroecology
- Working with nature….
- How is it different from organic farming?
- Is it a science?
- A movement?
- Or a farming system?
- What belongs to it, what doesn’t?
- Agroforestry
- What does it look like?
- Is it supported through direct payments?
- What are the advantages?
- Are there disadvantages?
I’m looking forward to discussing with you all these topics, prepare research or provide an overview of selected topics and regulations.
Read & see more …
Beste, A. (2024): Germany: To Reduce Pesticides, Start with Nutrient Management
Beste, A. (2023): Indoor Farming – Sustainability Spin or Substance?
Beste/Beck: (2023): “M as in “malnourished. How do methods of food production and processing influence the quality and nutritious value of food?
Beste, A. (2022): GREENWASHING & HIGH TECH – Faking it: (un-)sustainable solutions for agriculture.
Beste, A. (2021): Agroforestry and CAP – all Talk, no Trees.
Beste, A. (2019): Comparing Organic, Agroecological and Regenerative Farming.
Beste, A. (2015): Organic Farming: Feeding crops by feeding the soil.
Beste, A. (2008): Indicators to Maintain Biodiversity in Agro-Economy.
Further publications can be found here
