The cases of the AgriSpin project cover many different aspects of European agriculture. Ranging from a feed wall in Finland to social inclusion in Italy, a total of nine innovation cases have an organic and agroecological focus.

A compilation of cases with an organic and agroecological focus explored throughout the Cross Visits brings the reader from Finland in the north to Greece, Spain and Italy in the south. For a brief introduction read on or go straight to the overview to read a more detailed description of the nine cases.

Kirkkokallio Agroecological Concept in Finland

The actors in the local area formed an integrated system where water, nutrients and energy circulate. The solution improves eco-efficiency of the cluster which includes a processing meat factory, a greenhouse vegetable production plant (heated on waste products), an organic tomato farm, a biogas plant and others.

Feed Wall System Development at Tikka Farm in Finland

The innovation is a new barn wall design for an organic dairy farm that reduces width and building cost of barns. It also reduces the risk of contamination and enhances animal health.

Socio-Economic Innovation at Hofgut Oberfeld Farm in Germany

Farming family Kathrin and Thomas Goebel started in July 2006 as a Demeter farm with dairy cattle, seeds, nursery, bakery, dairy goods and direct marketing. The farming business was set up as an SME-limited company. Since 2009, numerous Darmstadt families and individuals have become shareholders of the new micro-stock company in agriculture under the Demeter and organic farming directives.

Training Young Professionals for the job in the Organic Sector in Germany

The case is a unique example of the power of participatory approaches within a sector. One company alone would be too small to set up its own trainee program, but the collaboration within the sector allows to qualify young professionals according to the demands on the job. On top of that, it helps to strengthen networking within the sector.

Efkarpon-Hellenic Super Foods in Greece

Efkarpon-Hellenic Super foods is a new generation cooperative (NGC) involved in the cultivation, processing and marketing of four innovative agricultural products (gojiberry, black chockberry, blueberry and sea buckthorn) following organic farming standards. Efkarpon responded to the needs of innovative smallholders, who were facing financial and land constraints because of small and fragmented land ownership, by making it possible for its members to participate in a vertically integrated production scheme.

Orti Etici: Orticulture, Economy, Technique and Innovative Social Inclusion in Italy

The project Orti ETICI was started in 2008 and is aimed at promoting “responsible innovation” in the field of agricultural production and social inclusion. The project combines sustainable farming and social rehabilitation through the employment of persons belonging to vulnerable groups and with low contractual capacity.

Alternative Supply Chain for Old Wheat Varieties in Italy

The innovation case is about the rediscovery and cultivation of old wheat varieties and later the production of bread and pasta. It was started in one organic farm in the province of Pisa and the innovation process gradually involved researchers (genetists of the University of Florence), other farms, advisors of the Tuscan coordination of Organic farmers as well as international networks and associations. It is an example of a collaborative approach which is aimed at optimizing yields in an organic production system by cultivating old varieties of wheat.

Bio-District: Innovative Territorial Governance Involving Organic Producers and Local Stakeholders in Italy

A bio-district is a bottom-up organisation where farmers, citizens, tourism operators, associations and public authorities enter into an agreement for the sustainable management of local resources, based on organic production and consumption. Examples of activities within the bio-district are short food chain, purchasing groups, organic canteens in public offices and schools. In bio-districts, it is a must to link the promotion of organic produce with the promotion of the land and its special characteristics. This way the bio-district can fully realise its economic, social and cultural potential.

Karabeleko, Agroecological and Social Farm in Spain

Karabeleko is an agro-ecological farm created by the collaboration of three different entities from different sectors that decided to create a common project combining organic farming with psychological therapy.

Read More

The list and description of other cases that were part of cross-visits in various countries is available in the synthesis report compiled by the AgriSpin team. The tools used in the cross-visits as well as the lessons learned during the project are outlined in the inspirational guide. A more detailed analysis on the innovation support practices is available online. To stay up-to-date with the final project recommendations, visit the AgriSpin website and its social media.