Twelve National Networks, One Goal: Biodiversity-Friendly Farming with FarmBioNet
The FarmBioNet project is setting up farming and biodiversity national networks (FaB NNs) in 12 countries alongside an EU-wide thematic network.
The goal? To provide valuable training through workshops and farm visits, to help practitioners not just adopt, but expand and share the best Biodiversity-Friendly Farming practices (BFF). These national networks are open to all stakeholders who want to contribute to the initiative in their respective countries.
Recently, the project established national networks in the following countries: Ireland, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Germany, and Switzerland. Kick-off meetings have already been held in each of these countries, creating communities where farmers, agricultural organisations, academia and research professionals, NGOs, business representatives, policymakers, and government officials came together to discover what FarmBioNet is all about and explore the benefits it offers.
Here are the top highlights from our kick-off tour.
1. Austria’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
The first national network meeting was organised in Austria by FarmBioNet’s partner, BIO AUSTRIA. This meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural organisations, academia and research professionals, NGOs, business representatives, policymakers, and government officials.
The kick-off session was led by Sabrina Dreisiebner-Lanz, MSc, and Eva Marthe, MSc from BIO AUSTRIA, Johanna Frangež, MSc, and Ivana Milakovic, PhD, from Suske Consulting, as well as Stefan Kirchweger, PhD, from STUDIA Studienzentrum für Internationale Analysen.
Key Discussion Points:
- The group discussed aspects of biodiversity-friendly farming practices that are particularly relevant to Austria. A key question raised was whether to focus on specific measures, sectors, or regions.
- Participants engaged in discussions about which knowledge gaps should be prioritised for further research and development.
- Perspectives on the most effective biodiversity measures were shared, fostering a collaborative dialogue on the future of farming and biodiversity in Austria.
To join Austria’s national network, fill out the survey.
2. Switzerland’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network Switzerland
The national network meeting in Switzerland was organised by FarmBioNet’s partner organisation, AGRIDEA. A total of 23 attendees participated, including farmers, advisors, academia and research professionals, educators, NGOs, and policymakers and government representatives.
The meeting was led by the AGRIDEA team, Corinne Zurbrügg, Anja Gramlich, Johanna Schoop, and Ludovic Piccot.
Key Discussion Points:
- Participants discussed the differences between FarmBioNet’s national network and an existing Swiss network, focusing on FarmBioNet’s added benefits for farmers.
- Relevant measures for Switzerland were explored, including enhancing biodiversity in arable farming, intensive fruit/vegetable growing, and integrating agroforestry and climate change adaptation into farming practices.
- The potential for exchange between advisors from different countries was discussed, including a comparison of tools and techniques already being used successfully in different regions.
To join Switzerland’s national network, contact Corinne Zurbruegg at corinne.zurbruegg@agridea.ch
3. Ireland’s National Network Kick-Off Meeting
Ireland’s national network kick-off meeting brought together more than 45 attendees from diverse backgrounds: advisors, researchers, educators, policymakers, businesses, and NGOs.
Hosted by Teagasc, this meeting featured insights from Dr Saorla Kavanagh, Project Coordinator & NN Coordinator, Dr Meritxell Grau Butinyac, Project Manager, Niall Oliver Walshe, Research Officer & NN Manager, and Dr Gary Goggins, Project Partner.
Key Discussion Points:
- Participants proposed different biodiversity-friendly farming practices that could be included in FarmBioNet,
- The group discussed the importance of selecting farms that showcase biodiversity-friendly practices, ensuring a range of farm types and farmer demographics are included.
- The need for continuous interaction with policymakers and building synergies with related projects was emphasised.
To join Ireland’s national network, get in touch with Dr Meritxell Grau Butinyac (farmbionet@teagasc.ie).
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4. Romania’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
Romania’s national network kick-off meeting was organised by FarmBioNet’s partner, ADEPT. The meeting was coordinated by Ben Mehedin, national network Lead, George Cățean, national network Coordinator, Cristi Gherghiceanu, Technical Support, and Laura Chirilă Pașca, Communication Manager. A total of 38 attendees from diverse stakeholder groups participated.
Key Discussion Points:
- Challenges facing traditional shepherds in mountain regions, including biodiversity loss, depopulation, and issues with EU subsidies.
- Discussion of biodiversity-friendly farming practices, including grazing management, agroforestry, no-till agriculture, soil testing, and the restoration of grassland habitats.
- Importance of integrating socio-cultural, economic, and environmental aspects when developing biodiversity-friendly practices.
- Exploration of compensation payment schemes where necessary, promotion of traditional models of nature-friendly practices, and the need for professional training and networking to support traditional farming methods.
To join Romania’s national network, fill out the survey https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/FarmBioNet_RO using the password farmbionetro25 to access it.
5. Bulgaria’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
Bulgaria’s national network kick-off meeting was led by FarmBioNet’s partner organisation, the University of Forestry. The meeting was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Petar Petrov, national network manager, Stanimira Ivanova, coordinator of the national network and Assoc. Prof. Ralitsa Kuzmanova, supporting staff.
Key Discussion Points:
- Adapting biodiversity-friendly farming (BFF) practices to different agricultural landscapes across Europe through research and collaboration across 12 national networks.
- The importance of showcasing farms within Natura 2000 sites and those already implementing biodiversity-friendly practices.
- Overcoming resistance from farmers by emphasising practical, economic benefits and direct involvement in field visits and exchange programs.
- The development of digital tools, such as a cost-benefit calculator and incentive navigator, to support farmers in implementing BFF practices.
To join Bulgaria’s national network, fill out the survey https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/FarmBioNet_NN using the password farmbionetie25 to access it.
6. Italy’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
Italy’s farming and biodiversity national network kick-off was organised by the national coordinating organisation UNIFI and led by Federica Romano, Antonio Santoro, Mauro Agnoletti, Francesco Piras, and Marta Allegri.
Key Discussion Points:
- Representation of various agricultural and silvicultural activities, including vineyards, olive orchards, livestock breeding, silviculture, and agroforestry.
- Involvement of public authorities in activities related to agriculture and biodiversity.
To join Italy’s national network, contact Antonio Santoro at antonio.santoro@unifi.it
7. Germany’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
FiBL Germany is the FarmBioNet’s national network coordinating organisation for this country. The kick-off meeting in Germany was led by National Coordinator Charlotte Loos from FiBL Germany and supported by Julia Fritzsche from ZALF. A total of 30 people signed up for the meeting, with 19 attending.
Key Discussion Points:
- The importance of integrating climate protection and biodiversity. The need for region-specific biodiversity measures, particularly for cropland, grassland, and wetland areas, with attention to both northern and southern Germany.
- Challenges in implementing biodiversity measures, including limited funding, reluctance from intensive farmers, and the need for clear, engaging communication to demonstrate biodiversity benefits.
- Key biodiversity-friendly farming practices like bird and insect protection, dry stone wall maintenance in viticulture, agroforestry, and the use of perennial flower mixtures for set-aside and fallow land.
To join Germany’s national network, fill out the survey.
8. Croatia’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
The meeting was led by FarmBioNet’s partner organisation ECOLOGICA and coordinated by Sonja Karoglan Todorović. A total of 60 participants attended, including farmers, advisors, academia, research and education professionals, NGOs, businesses, public institutions for nature protection, and policymakers and government officials.
Key Discussion Points:
- The need for biodiversity-friendly farming practices tailored to Croatia’s diverse agricultural landscape types and production methods, such as flat fertile plains with intensive arable farming, extensive grasslands in mountainous and Mediterranean regions and small mixed farming systems with rich ecological infrastructure
- The importance of preserving mosaic landscapes and promoting ecological infrastructure, such as hedges, dry stone walls, riparian zones, ponds and flower strips.
- The importance of reducing pesticides in intensive agricultural production and suggestions for specific measures reducing excess nitrogen use, such as replacing mineral fertilizers with green manure or organic fertilizers, reducing tillage, under-sowing in arable production, and increasing soil humus to prevent degradation.
- The need to preserve extensive livestock farming, including adjustment of mowing and grazing periods and grazing in olive groves.
To join Croatia’s national network, fill out the survey https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/FarmBioNetHR using the password FarmBioNetHR to access it.
9. Spain’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
The kick-off meeting in Spain was organised by ASAJA. The meeting was coordinated by José Fernando Robles, National Coordinator, and supported by team members Jesús Aguilar, Inmaculada García, and Rocío Perza. The meeting saw 27 attendees, including farmers, advisors, researchers, government representatives, NGOs and agricultural professionals.
Key Discussion Points:
- Various biodiversity-friendly practices in farmland that could be analysed within the project.
- Identification of barriers, difficulties, and opportunities for better development of biodiversity-friendly practices in Spanish agriculture.
To join Spain’s national network, fill out the survey https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Encuesta_RedFarmBioNet_ES
10. The Netherlands’ Farming and Biodiversity National Network
The Netherlands’ national network kick-off meeting was hosted by the Avalon Foundation and coordinated by Martien Lankester and Darko Znaor.
Key Discussion Points:
- The Netherlands’ unique environmental challenges, such as limited land and balancing farming with ecological preservation.
- Key resources for biodiversity-friendly farming (BFF).
- What is essential for Dutch biodiversity, including the conservation of peatlands and meadows and the development of effective water management strategies.
To join the Netherlands’ national network, fill out the survey https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/FarmBioNetNL using the password FarmBioNetNL to access it
11. Slovenia’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
Slovenia’s national network kick-off meeting was hosted by the Slovenian Forestry Institute (SFI). The meeting was coordinated by Dr. Tine Grebenc (Project Coordinator and national network Coordinator), Dr. Nataša Šibanc, Nejc Suban (responsible for NN coordination, data maintenance, and presentations), and Nataša Milenković (responsible for finances and reporting).
Key Discussion Points:
- Biodiversity banking, including its definition, implementation, and how the project team can help individual farmers make better use of it.
- The importance of biocultural heritage, with a focus on human knowledge and skills, which are often overlooked in biodiversity initiatives, and the need to address this in future discussions.
To join Slovenia’s national network, contact Tine Grebenc at tine.grebenc@gozdis.si
12. Slovakia’s Farming and Biodiversity National Network
The first meeting of Slovakia’s national network was hosted by ILE SAS and led by Jana Špulerová, national coordinator of the FarmBioNet project. Over 30 participants attended the meeting.
Key Discussion Points:
- How the new network complements existing ones, such as the national network for Rural Development and the Bio-economy Cluster.
- The connection to policymakers and the integration of new knowledge into the new CAP.
- The brainstorming of biodiversity-friendly farming practices relevant to Slovakia.
To join Slovakia’s national network, fill out the survey https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Farmbionet.
Conclusion
Step by step, national networks are helping to bring biodiversity-friendly farming practices into everyday practice across Europe. Keep up to date with FarmBioNet’s work and the activities of the FaB national networks by following the project’s website, as well as Facebook, Linkedin, X, Instagram and YouTube, Bluesky.
