Széchenyi István University’s Demonstration Farm Network: Knowledge Transfer, Knowledge Exchange and Sustainable Agricultural Innovation
The Albert Kázmér Faculty of Széchenyi István University operates a network of approximately 70 demonstration farms, model farms, and recognized training sites, providing a comprehensive practical demonstration and knowledge transfer infrastructure.
The network consists of diverse and innovative farms and enterprises, ranging from small, specialized farms to large multi-sector agribusinesses.
Members are engaged in various agricultural sectors, including livestock farming, mixed farming, arable crop production, horticulture, the food industry, and agricultural finance. 12% of the network farms operate under organic farming principles.
The Faculty actively collaborates with network members, engaging in joint projects and research with partners committed to innovation, sustainability, and digitalization.
Many demonstration farms apply a holistic, circular farming approach, ensuring efficient resource use and long-term sustainability.
The demonstration farms serve as living laboratories, allowing for the realworld testing and implementation of climate adaptation solutions, precision farming techniques, and sustainable soil management practices.
Participants gain not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience with cutting-edge agricultural technologies, equipping them with practical skills for sustainable and modern farming.
Additional information
Facilitating Elements:
- Strong collaboration between Széchenyi István University, researchers, and industry partners.
- Practical training approach ensures knowledge is directly applicable in farm settings.
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and expert guidance.
Obstacles:
- Adoption of new practices may require initial investment in training and equipment.
- Farmers may face challenges in adapting traditional methods to more innovative systems
Future Actions:
- Expansion of the demo farm network to include more regions and farming systems.
- Increased engagement with policymakers to support sustainable agricultural transitions.
- Further integration of digital and precision farming tools in training programs.
- Our approach is based on the farmers' and the market's needs.
Climate Farm Demo
Ongoing | 2022-2029
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Serbia