Hands-on practical research: The PFN at the Ökofeldtage 2025
18.+19.06.2025 | EVENT
Around 10,000 visitors, over 350 exhibitors, many topics and one focus: water
At the Organic Field Days on June 18 and 19 at the Canitz water estate in Saxony, the Hesse Practical Research Network (PFN) presented itself at its own stand together with the networks from Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria. The PFN used research results and nine demo plots to show how practical research contributes to climate-resilient and water-conserving agriculture.
Well attended, practical, dialog-oriented
The PFN stand was well attended on both days – there was great interest in research from practice for practice. In addition to numerous one-on-one discussions, the PFN offered two moderated tours during which current projects were presented and discussed. Many conventional farm managers also took the opportunity to exchange ideas. “People often asked when there will be a practical research network in other federal states – this shows that our approach is recognized and appreciated in Hesse,” says Esther Mieves, coordinator of the PFN.
Stand guidance 1: Maintain nitrogen, build up humus
The first day was all about the UMKREIS project and the question of how catch crops can be used effectively to avoid nitrogen losses and build up humus. In the guided tour entitled
Stand management 2: Making vegetable growing climate-resilient
The second day focused on vegetable growing. Under the title
Conclusion: Exchange, inspiration – and a tailwind for practice
Tim Treis, spokesman for the Organic Farming Association in Hesse and project sponsor of the PFN, drew a positive conclusion:
“These Organic Field Days have impressively demonstrated how we can achieve climate-resilient farming methods in agriculture. Organic farming is setting a good example here and offers numerous approaches that are also of interest to conventional farms.”
The PFN shows that practical research is not an abstract concept, but is already a successful model in Hesse – practice, consulting and research are working together on current challenges with a view to the future.
