Creation of an ecological platform of groups of operators for the development of ecological production in small farms

Ekologinės veiklos vykdytojų grupių platformos sukūrimas ekolginės gamybos plėtrai smulkiuose ūkiuose

It is assumed that the following results will be achieved:
1. Cultivation technologies for winter cover crops grown in fallows and summer cover crops grown in fallows and fallows will be developed and improved, helping to solve the problems of soil degradation, biodiversity, GHG gas emissions, and improving the economic results of agricultural entities in solving the problems of soil quality deterioration, nitrogen problems of reducing the use of fertilizers and increasing the yield and quality of production.
1.1 Technologies for the cultivation of intermediate crops have been improved and developed;
1.2 It will be evaluated - the effect of the reduction of GHG emissions, the amount of sequestered carbon, the decrease in the use of fertilizers, the actual economic, agronomic and environmental assessment of farms;
1.3 Practically applicable agrotechnics will be presented, ensuring the increase of CO2 accumulations;
1.4 The actual values ​​of the increase in carbon deposits will be determined;
1.5 The change in the resulting GHG effect due to the inclusion of intermediate crop cultivation in the GHG accounting at the farm level will be tested in practice;
2. The example of demonstration farms will encourage other farms to implement technological innovations faster and thus support and increase the profitability of agricultural activities through more sustainable farming and reducing the impact on the environment.
3. Prepared and distributed information materials for farmers and other interested persons;
4. Dissemination of the project results has been completed.

This project developed a practical system to help small farmers switch to organic farming by creating farmer groups and a shared certification model. The main result is an easy-to-use digital platform that supports farmers in meeting organic requirements, managing documentation, and selling their products collectively.

The project showed that many small farms lack knowledge, resources, and access to markets, but by working together in groups they can reduce certification costs, simplify administration, and increase their market opportunities. Field assessments and testing confirmed that small farms can successfully transition to organic production when supported with clear guidelines, training, and practical tools.

The main recommendation is for farmers to join or create producer groups, use shared systems for certification and product sales, and apply the provided organic farming technologies.

By implementing these solutions, farmers can lower costs, improve productivity, access new markets, and increase income. The approach is especially useful for small farms aiming to stay competitive and sustainable while producing higher-value organic products.