Plant-Based Agriculture
The future is plant-based. Whether from the perspectives of ecology, climate, ethics or efficiency, the reasons are as numerous as they are valid. By moving away from livestock farming, agricultural businesses regain greater flexibility in how they use their land, can operate ecologically valuable farming practices and, by abandoning livestock farming and the associated waste of resources, are once again better able to fulfil their role of feeding the population. In doing so, they can rediscover traditional crops while establishing new and important ones – the opportunities are extensive and exciting in many aspects, particularly, but not exclusively, in the cultivation of protein-rich crops. Whether lupins, various beans, chickpeas or other legumes, they all are playing an increasingly central role in feeding the population and are widely used in plant-based drinks as well as dairy and meat alternatives. Permaculture, agroforestry and similar farming systems will also become increasingly important in the future. These developments have now been recognised within agricultural direct payments and are finally being supported.
Value Creation on the Farm
Not only do new opportunities arise in the field, but also in on-farm processing. With facilities that have become available and greater flexibility in time management, farmers can process and market their own crops and products. Whether it is their own creations such as oat milk or oat margarine, preserved and fermented products, juices, oils, rolled oats and lupins, or the cultivation of mushrooms, the possibilities are limitless. Here, too, we work closely together with numerous farms and always find excellent opportunities to secure reliable buyers. Animal sanctuaries in particular, with public outreach activities and a corresponding number of visitors, can benefit from the strong potential for direct marketing.
Care Farming
Agriculture and society are changing. One major societal challenge that also presents an opportunity for agriculture is the care and support of people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Care farming offers these individuals placements for care, time-outs or integration on agricultural farms. This is not only a valuable and important assignment, but also an important source of income for farmers, who are additionally able to host support workers on their farms. This important role is now also recognised by the agricultural authorities and is rewarded through the attributions of Standard Labour Units (SAK). Some farms have already embarked on this path, and the demand for such services is high and will continue to grow. Agriculture can and will play an important role in meeting these needs.
Agritourism
The longing for nature, peaceful interactions with animals and (re)discovering agriculture is becoming increasingly important for many people. For many, holidays provide the perfect opportunity to fulfil these desires. This often represents a great opportunity for agricultural businesses to make use of their existing infrastructure, diversify their operations and generate income in a variety of ways. There are numerous possible approaches to that, all of which appeal to different target groups—from simple overnight stays in a hay barn to high-quality accommodation with catering services.
Functions/Activities and Events
Not only holidays on a farm, but also all kinds of events and functions take on a special charm in an agricultural setting and are therefore in particularly high demand. Corporate events, family celebrations, training sessions and courses of all kinds, seminars, lectures, movie screenings, panel discussions, and arts and cultural events. The demand is high, which allows plenty of flexibility to incorporate one’s own interests, skills, and circumstances.
A Farm as an Educational Institution
Extracurricular learning environments are right in tune with the spirit of the times. Hands-on experiences and on-site education open up new perspectives and provide deep insights that theory can often only dream of. It is no surprise that school visits to farms are becoming increasingly popular. Animal ethics, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and ecology are defining issues of our time and need to be experienced and felt in order to foster lasting awareness and a sense of self-efficacy. More and more schools, kindergartens, adult education institutions, and foundations recognize this and are supporting and promoting this work.
Biodiversity Conservation
The fact that we are currently experiencing the greatest mass extinction of species since the end of the age of the dinosaurs is only slowly becoming part of public awareness. Intensive agriculture bears some of the blame for this crisis. More and more farms are recognizing these circumstances and investing in biodiversity areas.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships involve individuals, organizations, or companies paying a certain amount each month to cover the ongoing costs of food and basic care for an animal. Part of the sponsorship program also involves engaging with the sponsors, for example, through regular newsletters, home visits, and other events to foster a connection with the farm and the individual animals.
