BASF’s European Farm Network
The farm network in Europe initiated by BASF is a group of farms, who collaborate with us to demonstrate how productive agriculture can co-exist in harmony with nature. Currently, there are 11 farms in the network, located in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK.
So, how do we deliver on this? We work with key stakeholders – farmers, researchers, local environmental and farming organizations as well as other interested parties – to develop innovative farming methods. Each stakeholder brings valuable expertise to the table. BASF and its local partners are responsible for advising farmers on how to implement sustainable techniques. Outcomes are independently measured over time while lessons learnt are shared and incorporated into future programs.
At the end of the day, farming is a professional business. The farmers working with us are independent business people, managing their farms as commercial entities. We help farmers increase profits and yields while protecting and conserving biodiversity, water and other resources.
Our concept
As the farms differ in size and produce a diversity of crops (cereals, oilseeds, fresh vegetables and vines), measures are equally varied. Test criteria applied include convenience to the farmer as well as measured impacts on the protection of the natural resource or on increased levels of biodiversity.
Our trials are practical. Once a farmer learns about a particular sustainable practice, he can implement it first in a limited part of the farm before assessing whether it is viable to extend to a larger area.
Independent experts evaluate the biodiversity of each farm, using recognized methods and standards. Monitored data includes the number of birds, pollinators (including, wild bees and butterflies) and beneficial insects for pest control. Identifying and monitoring the species currently present on the farm is not only useful for evaluation purpose, it is also invaluable for planning ways to encourage other desirable species.
Did you know?
A typical feature of European agricultural landscapes, the skylark (Alauda arvensis) features in the Farmland Bird Index, and is protected under the EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC. Known for its dramatic flight and melodious song, the skylark breeds from April to July, nests on the ground, and feeds on arable fields (cereals, legumes, and root crops), set-aside, grassland, and stubble fields.