Bionetz Liechtenstein - a network of pioneering agroecological farms
Agricultural structures in Liechtenstein are characterised by a high proportion of grassland and comparatively little arable land. Nevertheless, part of the arable land is used to grow animal feed, such as maize or grain crops. More sustainably it would be used to grow food, not feed. For the same amount of food, calories or protein, we would need less land and produce fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants. That would be eco-efficient and entirely in in line with agroecological principles! There are, for example, a variety of cereals that could enrich our diet. And pulses, such as lentils, beans, soya beans or peas, are a versatile source of protein that can also be grown in Liechtenstein.
In this project we aim to develop the Bionetz as a network of pioneering and pilot farms that are keen to try out new things in their arable farming practice. In field trials, we jointly test strategies for the increased cultivation of legumes and cereal varieties. With the Bionetz, we are generating know-how for their cultivation specifically under the types of site conditions prevailing in Liechtenstein. Our aim is to draw on traditional farming knowledge, to discuss the existing knowledge of local stakeholders and also to use the experience gained in neighbouring countries. We endeavour to share the knowledge thus generated in the Bionetz with all interested farms in Liechtenstein. We are planning specialist events, field visits, practical seminars and symposia.
Bionetz also targets processing and regional marketing. We need innovative products that hold their own in the shop, in the kitchen and at the table. They should make economic sense for the producers, be well adapted to regional conditions, be easy to market and represent added value for consumers. The Bionetz pilot farms are also contact points and open for field visits where farming can be experienced. In this manner, we hope to create a great deal of interest in these new agricultural products which should be available as end products in the marketplace after the first growing season, at the latest.
Further Information
Contacts
Project team at the Institute of Agroecology
- Felix Zingg (Implementation and consulting)
Project team at FiBL Austria
- Andreas Kranzler (Project Leader)
- Andreas Surböck (Coordination of practical tests and knowledge preparation)
Project team KBA
- Florian Bernardi (Implementation and consulting)
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