Photo: C. Fischer

The discussion about the future of our food systems is becoming increasingly urgent in the face of climate change, resource scarcity and a growing world population. A current research project funded by SAGST is investigating what contribution biodynamic agriculture can make here. The three-year project is a collaboration between the Forschungsring in Darmstadt, the Center for Sustainable Food Management at Justus Liebig University Giessen and the University of Life Sciences in Warsaw.

The focus is not only on ecological issues, but also on economic and social aspects. Demeter agriculture sees the farm as an organic whole with cycles that are as closed as possible - an approach that is now regarded as a model for resilient systems. This idea is complemented by the concept of associative farming, which emphasizes cooperation and fairness in value chains.

The research project is divided into four work packages: In addition to project management and knowledge transfer, the efficiency of biodynamic farms will be compared with conventional farms using the example of berry cultivation. Secondly, the value chains in herb, vegetable and berry cultivation will be scrutinized in a socio-economic analysis: How do fair prices come about? What factors make production and marketing resistant to crises? And how can sustainable structures be secured in the long term?

The scientific basis is provided by two planned doctoral theses in Giessen and Warsaw. They will be supported by case studies, market analyses and interviews with people involved in the field. International seminars and publications will make the results accessible to a wide audience. "It is important to us that this research project not only provides theoretical findings but also concrete impulses for practical application - for farmers as well as for companies and consumers," explains Tobias Leiber, project manager at SAGST. "The biodynamic way of farming shows that business can also be thought of differently: not as a pure pursuit of profit, but as a responsible process in the service of people and nature - the aim here is to achieve a healthy balance."