A look back at the inspiration day: learning together about nature-inclusive agriculture

How are farmers in Limburg putting nature-inclusive farming into practice on their farms? The Limburg Nature-Inclusive Farming (NIL) Inspiration Day, held on 8 October in Montfort, focused on the exchange of experiences.

The well-attended event demonstrated that there are various ways to practise nature-inclusive farming. There is no single solution, but by sharing knowledge and learning from one another, farmers can discover what works best for their farms.

The inspiration day was organised by the Limburg Nature-Inclusive Agriculture Foundation, in collaboration with the Natuurrijk Limburg Cooperative and the LLTB. The day’s chair, Lotte Sluiter, ensured there was plenty of interaction and scope for questions and discussion.

In his keynote speech, Gerard Migchels of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) emphasised the importance of measurability. By providing insight into performance and impacts, it becomes possible to better monitor and substantiate the development of nature-inclusive agriculture.

Three farmers from Limburg then shared their experiences from different perspectives during an interactive panel discussion. The audience asked questions, including about the revenue model for arable farmers. Who pays for the efforts farmers make on behalf of nature, soil and biodiversity? Possible solutions were discussed, but there is as yet no clear-cut answer. A suitable revenue model remains crucial for the further development of nature-inclusive agriculture.

Biodiversity Monitor to be continued

It was also announced that the Province of Limburg is making over 2 million euros available for the Biodiversity Monitor. Farmers can register from now on. Representatives from the various partner organisations took to the stage to announce that they would be working together.

The integrated monitoring system uses key performance indicators (KPIs) to give farmers an insight into their performance in areas such as soil, resource cycles and the environment. This enables them to take a more targeted approach to improving sustainability.

After lunch and a visit to the knowledge square with its information stands, two rounds of workshops followed. Participants explored topics such as agricultural nature conservation, optimising mineral utilisation, target-based management and collaboration in new supply chains. Manure and soil health were also discussed. How do you recognise good manure, and what is the relationship with soil life? The workshops took place in the field, in the barn or in a marquee.

During the break, there was plenty of networking in the sunshine, accompanied by, amongst other things, a fruit juice produced in an environmentally friendly way. The day rounded off with a Limburg-style snack platter.

The inspiration day did not offer ready-made answers, but it did provide new insights and contacts. It is precisely by comparing different experiences and approaches that farmers can discover which steps are right for their own farms and businesses.