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Description
The project builds upon research outputs (landscape ecosystems, local economic multiplication and the collaborative partnership model) to create a pilot BIO region. BIO region is an area where farmers, entrepreneurs, civic associations and public authorities enter into an agreement on the development of organic farming in order to maximize the economic, ecological and socio-cultural potential of the area. The key role of organic farming is recognised by the European Commission in the European Green Deal, which aims to increase its share of agricultural land to 25 % by 2030. We will identify suitable regions, map the needs of its key actors and invite them into a collaborative partnership with the goal of creating a shared vision of a BIO region and its implementation through microprojects. The transition will be supported by networking and consultation on both agricultural and business matters. This model of sustainable local development will serve as good practice and will be transferable to other regions.
Summary of project results
By implementing the project, we piloted an innovative concept of sustainable development, so-called BIO region, branded Live Region. We used scientific research processes (landscape ecosystems, local economic multiplication and a collaborative partnership model), the replication and transfer of Norwegian practices. The BIO region bonds local actors (farmers, landowners, associations, municipalities) into a collaborative network. We tested the BIO region in Czechia to support network for biodiversity in the countryside.
The Podbrněnsko region was selected through analysis and application of development indicators. Masaryk University surveyed barriers, needs and opportunities for developing organic agriculture and the BIO region. We used these results as a basis for activities and orientation in actors and attitudes. Ekotoxa applied the methodology "How to Cooperate for Sustainable Development" at 11 round tables in regional municipalities with local actors and prepared proposals for landscape measures for municipalities. AMPI has conducted a series of educational events to develop organic agriculture, support Community Supported Agriculture, advise on the transition to organic agriculture and mentor farm training. Impact Hub supported local distribution chains and connected Czech-Norwegian actors in three micro-projects. We spread the idea of supporting organic agriculture through articles, target groups events, and sharing. We created the brand Live Region and tested the concept of cooperation in 1 area. We established cooperation with Brno metropolitan area and received patronage of the South Moravian Region.
We defined the barriers to the organic agriculture transition with target groups, supported groups with 11 round tables, proposals for landscape measures (7 municipalities), educational and networking events, training of a mentoring farm for the transfer of good organic agriculture practice, expert advice, involvement of 38 regional organizations in local networks, creation of a shared farm products store with social enterprise elements in Židlochovice with potential to involve 28 entities from the region and presenting 3 Norwegian examples of community work. While organic agriculture affects healthy landscape creation, wholesome food cultivation and keeping people in the countryside, it stagnates in the Czech Republic despite strategic plans. By involving local actors, we identified barriers and needs necessary for the effective development of organic agriculture, tested cooperation models and created networks that will continue to function within the Live Region.
Summary of bilateral results
Thanks to the engagement of the Norwegian partner, sharing experience, knowledge, and good practices on the international level was enabled. The cooperation indicated that the Czech and Norwegian societies face similar challenges, for example how to support local producers or how to make a career in agriculture more attractive for the younger generation.The bilateral cooperation enabled two-way inspiration through initiatives already established, such as Eco Week in Agder (ØKOUKA Agder) or KPZ (Community Supported Agriculture) network in the Czech Republic. The communication consisted of online meetings where a suitable form of the collective outcome was discussed. Based on mutual agreement, a Czech-Norwegian booklet of inspirational cases was created. The publication named ”Green Harvest: Czech-Norwegian Exchange on Ecological Farming and Community Engagement” is dedicated to a wide range of stakeholders and is also available for free download on the Project’s website.