Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Sustainable Wetland Farming in Donaumoos – how to organise and support. (Network: Germany | ARGE Donaumoos)

Transformation to wetland farming farming can be of great important for the climate and environment, but can be difficult for individual farmers. It takes time to establish a viable system, develop marketing channels for the crops or develop processing and/or value chains that can ensure a stable income for the farmers.
In Donaumoos, farmers are advancing wetland farming with paludiculture and extensive grazing. Paludiculture involves cultivating adapted wetland plants, eliminating the need for soil cultivation, fertilizers, and pesticides. Additionally, sedges and reed canary grass are processed into building materials. Young farmers have formed a community to promote extensive grazing, aiding wetland conservation. Government support aims to establish a local production facility, creating market opportunities and motivating eco-friendly peatland management.
Recommendations based on the expereince from Donaumoos:
• Utilize Support Programs: Farmers and landowners should benefit from initiatives like the "Peat-farmer-program" in Bavaria, Germany, promoting arable land conversion into grassland or paludiculture. These offer financial incentives and guidance for sustainable practices.
• Government Backing for Rewetting: Vital for climate protection and paludiculture, EU member states should:
• Establish a framework for traditional farmers to become climate-conscious "Peat-Climate Farmers," recognizing it as a new agricultural profession.
• Provide long-term support to ensure economic viability on rewetted peatlands, with fair compensation for climate protection efforts.
• Simplify administrative procedures for peatland climate protection, possibly through a modern peatland conservation law.
Source Project
MIXED - Multi-actor and transdisciplinary development of efficient and resilient MIXED farming and agroforestry systems
Ongoing | 2020-2025
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark
Project details

Project Keywords