Position paper: Targeted promotion of practical research

Practical research combines scientific findings with agricultural experience. It brings innovative solutions directly to farms – from new crop rotations to climate-adapted cultivation systems. However, in order for it to develop its full potential, it needs the right framework conditions and targeted support.

Together with NutriNet, the LVÖ Bayern and the Verbund Ökologische Praxisforschung (V.Ö.P), the Praxisforschungsnetzwerk Hessen (VÖL Hessen e.V.) has developed a position paper: “Requirements and framework conditions for the promotion of successful practical research in organic agriculture”. In it, we show what structural and financial conditions are needed to make practical research effective, secure it in the long term and strengthen cooperation between science and practice. Because only with the right framework conditions can innovations emerge that make agriculture fit for the future.

Why practical research needs to be strengthened

The topic of practical research and real-world laboratories has gained attention in recent years. Farmers, advisors and scientists are working together to develop innovative cultivation systems, test new crop rotations and find practical solutions to challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Practical research plays a key role in the sustainable development of agriculture in particular, as it helps to transfer scientific findings directly into agricultural practice.

However, the current funding landscape is often not adapted to the special requirements of practical research. Organizations outside the traditional scientific community in particular – such as agricultural networks, associations or federations – often encounter bureaucratic hurdles or do not receive adequate financial support. The participation of farmers themselves is also often not sufficiently rewarded.

Key demands of the position paper

The position paper formulates clear demands to improve the framework conditions for practical research:

Equal funding for different organizational structures
→ Institutions outside of universities and research institutions must also have access to funding.

Appropriate remuneration for farmers
→ Farms that participate in practical research projects must be fairly remunerated for their efforts.

Better coordination and long-term networks
→ Practice-based research networks require continuous support in order to sustainably secure and pass on knowledge.

More flexible funding and less bureaucracy
→ Funding programs must become more adaptable in order to be able to respond to unforeseen challenges.

Practice-relevant quality criteria for research
→ The evaluation of practical research projects should be based more on their practical suitability than on traditional scientific standards.

An important step for the future of practical research

The position paper was drawn up by NutriNet, PFN Hessen, LVÖ Bayern and the Verbund Ökologische Praxisforschung (V.Ö.P) and supported by many other institutions – from organic associations to universities. It sends a clear signal about the need for better funding and structural support for practical research projects.

You can read the full position paper here: “Position paper on practical research”

The aim of this position paper is to raise political and public awareness of practical research – because innovative and sustainable solutions are created where science and practice work closely together.