Appreciation in agriculture: key to the sustainable future
Appreciation in agriculture: key to the sustainable future
13.08.2024 - 08:00
University of Hohenheim
press release from the University of Hohenheim
The importance of appreciation in agriculture
The study "Öko-Valuation" under the direction of the University of Hohenheim shows that a deeper appreciation of food and the people they manufacture is crucial for a sustainable agricultural turn. In cooperation with the University of Tübingen and the agency, the ethical aspects of this change were examined and summarized in a practical course book.
appreciation as a driver for changes
A central result of research is that a lack of appreciation was identified as a fundamental obstacle to the ecological transformation of the agricultural and nutrition system. Prof. Dr. Claudia Bieling emphasizes the need to recognize both the food itself and the work of the farmer: socially recognized. "Only if we value the basis of our diet can we find sustainable solutions," she explains.
The dialogue about values
The project promotes dialogue about ethical questions in agriculture. This is done through workshops and discussions in which different perspectives and views come up. Dr. Uta Eser emphasizes that it is not only about factual arguments, but also about understanding the needs and values of everyone involved.
Course book as a practical tool
The resulting course book "Designing agriculture together" is aimed at everyone who wants to actively contribute to a future -proof agriculture. It not only offers theoretical basics, but also practical approaches to appreciative communication about the principles of agriculture.
hidden stories as a research approach
The researchers use micro-narratives as an important tool to present the perspectives of the people involved. Dr. Veronica Hector explains that personal stories provide information about how individuals perceive their experiences in the context of agriculture and what responsibility they see in the different phases of the value chain.
regional networks for sustainable agriculture
A central aspect for change towards more sustainable agriculture are regional networks. In the so-called organic patterns regions, initiatives are to be created that bring together producers: interior, consumers: inside, trade and other players. These networks together promote appreciation and communication via agricultural practices.
shape the future of agriculture
The project emphasizes the need for protected rooms in which different opinions can be expressed. "It is crucial that all actors feel like equivalent partners," emphasizes Hector, because this is the only way to create an effective dialogue that forms the basis for common goals and ways in agriculture.
"The urgently needed agricultural turn needs to recognize everyone involved - from the farmer: inside to the consumer: inside. This is the key to a sustainable future of agriculture," concludes Prof. Dr. Bieling from.
Background: Project ÖKO-Valuation-values and norms in agriculture
The project is funded by the state government of Baden-Württemberg as part of the "research program of ecological agriculture" and underlines the relevance of appreciation in agriculture for ecologically sustainable development.
Further information
- Project website: https://oekovaluation.de
- Center for ecological farming: https://oeko.uni-hohenheim.de
- Research program of ecological agriculture: https://oekolandbaufchung-bw.uni-hohenheim.de/start-s page
Contact for media
Prof. Dr. Claudia Bieling, University of Hohenheim, Department of Social Transformation and Agriculture
t +49 (0) 711 459 24029, e Claudia.bieling@uni-hohenheim.de
Veronica Hector, University of Hohenheim, Department of Social Transformation and Agriculture
t +49 (0) 711 459 22655, e veronica.hector@uni-hohenheim.de
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