Eco-model region Chiemgau: Founders planned the future for organic farming!

Eco-model region Chiemgau: Founders planned the future for organic farming!

An important step towards sustainable development in Chiemgau has now been taken in Frabertsham. Around 30 interested parties came together at a planning meeting to establish a Chiemgau eco-model region (ÖMRC). The initiators include the committed minds Alois Dirnaichner, Christoph Schwingenstein and Benjamin Schilbach. Mayor Sepp Reitmeier from Pittenhart and Thomas Schmidinger from Schnaitsee, both from the CSU, also showed great interest and were present. The Chiemgau is currently considered a “white spot” in Bavaria when it comes to the establishment of eco-model regions, as over 30 such regions already exist.

One of the central goals of this new initiative is to create the conditions for recognition as an eco-model region, which requires, among other things, cooperation with at least four contiguous political communities. Discussions with the city and local councils of a total of nine municipalities, including Schnaitsee, Eisselfing, Wasserburg, Obing and Trostberg, are already underway. The foundation also receives support from experts such as Jutta Weber from the State Office for Agriculture and Kathleen Ellmeier from the Office for Rural Development. Sophia Lörcher from AELF Traunstein sees the initiative as an opportunity for certification and direct marketing in organic farming.

Support and opportunities for the region

Another goal of the “Bioregio 2030” initiative is to increase the proportion of organic farming in Chiemgau to 30 percent by 2030. This definitely has advantages: An eco-model region can claim financial support for eco-model management, including exceptional projects with up to 50,000 euros annually. Small businesses can look forward to subsidies if they can prove organic certification. This is primarily about building regional organic value chains and creating awareness for organic farming.

Possible small projects include an organic ice cream machine, farm shops and mobile serving stations for hunters. The ÖMR manager receives strong financial support; 75 percent of the funds come from the state authorities and 25 percent from the ÖMR itself. Joshua Gruber from the Federal Nature Conservation Group Seeon-Seebruck emphasizes how important it is for the actors to present themselves in a unified manner in order to be able to optimally present the advantages of the eco-model region.

But there are also critical voices: Schmidinger expresses concerns about whether all organic farmers would support this idea. Nevertheless, Benjamin Schilbach sees clear advantages in networking, marketing and raising awareness for the region.

Circular economy as a further building block

But it's not just ecological projects that are on the agenda. The Traunstein and Berchtesgadener Land districts are part of the “Circular Rural Regions” project, which is dedicated to the circular economy in rural areas. Dr. Birgit Seeholzer from Chiemgau GmbH is convinced of the potential of the circular economy and has brought sustainability expert Rosanna Haider into the team to oversee the project. The aim is to find recyclable materials that can be reused in different places.

Initial survey results show a high willingness among the population to participate; An impressive 85 percent of participants see the environmental contribution of the circular economy. 200,000 euros in funding are also planned for the region to make it easier for companies to become independent of fluctuations in raw material prices.

With events such as the “Circular Talks”, which are scheduled to take place on March 11th in Traunstein, the aim is to actively motivate companies to participate in the project. Chiemgau GmbH is also planning a knowledge platform and networking to further strengthen the circular economy. Chiemgau is serious when it comes to sustainable development and economic opportunities. It will be exciting to see how these two initiatives grow together and impact the region.