Soil is an important basis for the production of both private and public goods. Adopting soil conservation farming practices are considered as a first step for market oriented arable farming systems towards transition to agro-ecological farming systems. Maintaining the qualities of soil and retaining water in soils effectively are major resource for agricultural production and promoting soil health shall represent inherent and immediate economic interest for farmers. By adopting soil conservation farming practices and coupled soil tillage operations the overall operational costs can be reduced while water can be retained, soil biota supported and CO2 emissions substantially lowered.
A wide array of experts representing farmers, farming organisation, agri-industry value-chain actor, autority, ministry officials and science were present at the MAP workshop to evaluate and discuss transition drivers and barriers of soil conservation farming and assess the practice and potential of current policy measures and market incentives in promoting the spread of soil conservation farming practices in Hungary.
The workshop outcomes are now being analysed and summarised in a report. The results will be used as input for the next steps in the research process and serve as a basis for further MAP discussions on co-creation of alternative mangement strategies and policy recommendations.
We had a very time efficient, constructive workshop in a good atmosphere. The HU UNISECO research team would like to thank all experts for their attendance and very valuable contributions.
Photos/text: GEO