Research within this program is focused on a further improvement the sustainability of agriculture. Functional agrobiodiversity is seen as the key factor. It is defined as all biodiversity on and around a the farm that direct or indirectly supports crop production. It is anticipated that a targeted stimulation of functional biodiversity will improve the resilience of the production system, resulting in less problems with pests and diseases as well as a smaller burden on the environment. Also, measures that stimulate soil life will enhance soil structure and fertility. The objective is to compare the effectiveness of some relevant measures, and to come to advisory conclusions that are applicable in daily farming practice and management of green-blue veining. Research projects have been formulated to address the questions formulated by the Ministry of agriculture. These include not only experimental research in the field but also analysis of databases and literature. The research carried out in this program is closely linked to the LTO project on functional agrobiodiversity and through this project there is a direct link to farmers in the Netherlands. Communication is a very important aspect of this functional agrobiodiversity program. Many stakeholders (ministries of agriculture and VROM, provinces, LTO, etc.) are involved. Good
communication, also to groups dealing with education is important to ensure that future farmers will start considering functional agrobiodiversity as a powerful tool in their production process. |
