Öko-Feldtage 2019 – Meeting place for organic farming
On July 3 and 4, 2019, the second nationwide Öko-Feldtage will take place at the Hessian State Domain Frankenhausen, the teaching and experimental farm of the University of Kassel, in Grebenstein. They offer a unique mix of practice and research in organic farming and animal husbandry: the ideal platform to showcase innovations and discuss current topics with farmers and representatives from politics and business.
The number of exhibitors currently stands at around 90, almost 30 of whom have booked demonstration plots. The areas are currently being prepared so that the first seeds can be sown on the demonstration plots shortly. The total exhibition area has been expanded and is now over 20 hectares. State variety trials and the farm’s practice areas will also be included in the event.
Current status
The Öko-Feldtage 2019 showcase the current state of organic farming. “Following the successful start in 2017, we are continuing to develop the Öko-Feldtage as a platform where practitioners and researchers share knowledge and communicate it to political representatives,” explains Projekt Lead Carsten Veller, adding: “This time, the focus is even more on the entire organic farming system in all its diversity: innovative farm concepts, cultivation systems and modern animal husbandry.”
Fortunately, organic farming is growing; it therefore needs other structures, such as cooperation between arable and livestock farms and new methods of nutrient management. Current challenges such as the climate crisis, protection of biodiversity, breeding and animal welfare require solutions for the entire agricultural sector. These will be discussed in forums and on the basis of demonstration and experimental plots at the Öko-Feldtage.
Focus on innovations
In 2019, innovation examples such as digitally controlled and environmentally friendly machines will also be a focus. “All farmers are interested in innovations and technology. Offers for crop protection, such as the use of beneficial organisms or mechanical weed management, but also modern animal husbandry concepts, such as keeping chickens in mobile henhouses or solutions for piglet castration will be presented and discussed,” explains Projekt Lead Veller.
Exhibitors who would like to participate in the Öko-Feldtage 2019 can still register for stand space without demo plots and machine demonstrations until December 31, 2018. Information can be found on the website www.oeko-feldtage.de.
Background
Diverse program from robots to practical research
The Öko-Feldtage program is as diverse as organic farming itself. In numerous demonstrations, farmers can see hoes, harrows, GPS and camera-guided machines in practical use. Examples of innovations will show new developments, such as weed control with robots.
Challenges such as the climate crisis, organic breeding and animal welfare will be discussed between scientists and practitioners in the forum. Researchers and consultants will also be presenting varieties adapted to new conditions and many other current research findings with strong practical relevance on the exhibition grounds.
Domäne Frankenhausen: The ideal event location
The exchange between practice and research has long been practised at the event location, the Hessian State Domain Frankenhausen. It is a teaching, research and transfer center for organic farming and sustainable regional development, but also a commercial enterprise: the domain markets milk, eggs and meat from livestock as well as carrots and potatoes, for example.
Organization & organizer
The strong team of partners is organizing the 2019 event in proven cooperation. FiBL Projekte GmbH is the organizer. Co-organizers are the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture and the University of Kassel with the Hessian State Domain Frankenhausen. The BÖLW is the patron of the event. The Hessian Ministry of Agriculture is once again supporting the event financially in 2019 as part of the Eco Action Plan. Interested exhibitors and visitors can find further information on the website: www.oeko-feldtage.de
Caption
In addition to machine demonstrations, the innovation show and animal husbandry, the demo plots will once again play an important role in 2019.
Contact person
Hella Hansen
Press
hella.hansen(at)fibl.org
Tel. +49 69 71 37 699-45
