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Organic Farmers for Nature – 

Wildlife-Friendly Organic Production 

A Joint Project of FiBL Switzerland, FiBL Austria and 

Bioinstitut Czech Republic 

PROJECT REPORT 2006-2009 

Authors: 

Mgr. Karolína Dytrtová 

Mgr. Jana Laciná 

Ing. Alena Malíková 

Ing. Markéta Sáblíková 

Mgr. Kateřina Čapounová 

Coordination: Dr. Lukas Pfiffner 

Bioinstitut, o.p.s. Czech Republic 

Křížkovského 8; 781 47 Olomouc; tel. +420 585 631 178, info@bioinstitut.cz

1. SUMMARY 

In 2006 Bioinstitut joined the international project “Diversity Blossoms on Organic 

Farms– Wildlife-Friendly Organic Production”, the aim of which is the conservation of 

the species-rich countryside and landscape on the level of organic farms. Throughout 

its duration the project was well received by farmers, for whom it was primarily intended, 

by government bodies and by the general public. It thus became one of the main 

projects of Bioinstitut. 

In its first phase the project focused on general education of organic farmers. The aim 

was to address farmers who were interested in increasing the biological diversity on 

their farms and to gradually create an informed community that want actively take part 

in measures which increase biodiversity. A national-wide network of 37 nature-friendly 

farms was established. These farms includes more than 10’000 ha agricultural land. 

During the growing season scientific research is carried out on these farms, locations 

requiring care are identified by botanist and zoologist. After consultation with the farmer, 

these specialists propose a necessary set of measures to support diversity of species 

on the farm land. Farmers made frequently use of this advisory services. Educational 

information boards were located on appropriate farms and excursions were organised 

on these locations. The concept to build up model farms was positively evaluated by the 

Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Environment as they serve as the practical 

examples of nature-friendly farming in the landscape of the Czech Republic. A range of 

educational seminars was organised, not only for farmers involved in the project, but 

also for the public, government bodies, NGOs and secondary school students, focusing 

on the relationship between farming and nature protection. Many advisory visits were 

made to organic farms and applications were worked out for financial support from the 

Ministry of the Environment towards planting trees and shrubs on farms. 

In the second phase of the project we worked on publication of the outputs of the 

project. We completed the contents of the catalogue “A place for nature on your farm” 

and produced a Czech version of an educational DVD about nature protection on a 

German bio-dynamic farm in Brodowin. We participated in the translation of a practical 

guide for organic farming in north-eastern Germany “Nature Protection in Organic 

Farming”, which advises organic farmers on a range of measures for the benefit of the 

countryside. In terms of lobbying, we have held a number of workshops with experts 

from research institutes and government representatives. There we have discussed the 

future concept of agro-environmental programmes and methods of conservation for the 

species-rich countryside and landscape on the level of agricultural enterprises with the 

help of farm nature conservation plans. We have also published numerous specialist 

articles on this theme as well as press releases and regular monthly contributions of 

thematic articles “Organic Farmers for Nature Newsletter” in the magazine Bioměsíčník. 



Throughout the project Bioinstitut has made every effort to actively promote the project. 

This has been successful partly due to the media boom in the Czech Republic relating 

to organic produce and organic farming in general. We have tried to exploit this for the 

promotion of aspects of environmental protection which relate to consumption of 

organic produce. In total the project was cited in the media 58 times (printed and 

electronic media, including radio and TV). 

Since 2006 we have been successful in obtaining funding for the afore mentioned 

activities in the form of two grants from the Ministry of Agriculture (in 2008 and 2009) 

and, via the Civil Society Development Foundation, two EEA grants from Iceland, 

Lichtenstein and Norway within the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian 

Financial Mechanism (2007, 2008). We can state that this international project, initiated 

in 2006 by FiBL Frick and supported in 2006-2009 by the Lichtenstein Sonnenwiese 

Stiftung Foundation, achieved its aim and due to the support of these donors could be 

developed to the extent described herein. Bioinstitut would like to continue in this 

project and we are currently working on new grant applications that will ensure further 

development of the network of nature-friendly organic farms. We intend to further 

cooperate with involved farms in the network and continue the work on building-up the 

model farms. 

In January 2008, our project was chosen for a presentation and a diplomatic visit of Mr. 

Alex V. Winther (Deputy Head of Mission – Royal Norwegian Embassy) and Mrs. Vanja 

Bentsen Kleven from the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. The report from the visit was 

placed on central webpage of EEA and Norway Grants: http://www.eeagrants.org/id/605 

In 2008, our project was awarded as one of the best project in the priority area - 

Protection of Environment, realized in the first call of EEA and Norway grants in the 

Czech Republic. 



CONTENTS 

1. SUMMARY .......................................................................................2 

2. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT ...........................................................5 

2. 1. Building a network of organic farms, work with members joining the network 5 

2. 2. Project team and cooperating organisations.........................................7 

2. 3. Buildup of a community of Organic Farmers for Nature...........................7 

3. RESEARCH ......................................................................................10 

3. 1. Methodology for mapping farms.......................................................10 

3. 2. Scientific monitoring of farms.........................................................10 

4. ADVISORY SERVICES ..........................................................................14 

4. 1. Practical advice...........................................................................14 

4. 2. Group advisory work and educational events......................................14 

5. WORK WITH THE PUBLIC ....................................................................16 

5. 1. Educational events.......................................................................16 

5. 2. Information boards on model farms..................................................21 

5. 3. Leaflets.....................................................................................22 

5. 4. News.........................................................................................23 

5. 5. Guidebooks.................................................................................23 

5. 6. Production of educational film on DVD..............................................25 

5. 8. Media........................................................................................26 

5. 9. Specialist public...........................................................................27 

Besides general educational activity among the public, Bioinstitut also organises numerous 

events and lectures where practical findings from nature protection on organic farms are 

discussed with specialists......................................................................27 

6. POLITICAL LOBBYING ........................................................................28 

COOPERATION WITH THE MINISTRIES OF AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT . 28 

7. COOPERATION WITH FIBL FRICK AND FIBL VIENNA ....................................29 



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................29 

2. Development of the project 

2. 1. Building a network of organic farms, work with members joining the network 

Development of the network Wildlife-Friendly Organic 

Production in the Czech Republic 

Number of organic farms in the 

network 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

34 

37 

23 

10 

2006 2007 2008 2009 

Year 

2006 

In the second half of 2006 we began building the network of nature-friendly farms and 

10 enterprises were selected for the project. The first visits were made to the farms. 

2007 

In 2007 the network included 23 organic farms across the whole Czech Republic. In that 

year six of these farms were chosen as model farms, on which scientific research was 

begun and a farm plan for considerate management was drawn up. In selecting the 

farms we used several indicators for business-wide analysis of performance in nature 

protection, which were developed by our colleagues in FiBL (e.g. the proportion of 

organic compensation areas; retention of small-scale structure; promotion of own 

efficiency in nature protection in direct sale and/or PR work on the theme of nature 

protection and farming etc.). 



2008 

In 2008 a total of 34 organic farms with an active interest in nature protection were 

involved in the project. Their combined acreage was 8,054 ha, which represented 2.5% 

of organically farmed land in the Czech Republic. 

2009 

The network currently consists 37 organic farms across the whole Czech Republic (map 

in Fig.1), which represents approx. 10,750 ha of organically managed farm land. Our 

work with members of the network involves farm visits, individual advice, telephone and 

email contact and consultation. All actors/stake holders in the project receive the 

specially published “Organic Farmers for Nature” Bulletin. The farms were successively 

visited and given individual guidance. Field consultancywere aimed to increase the 

species diversity on the whole farm, both on agricultural land and non-productive land. 

In relation to this, data is gathered for the compilation of a farm plan (especially 

botanical research) and certain measures are proposed (e.g. planned planting). 

Consultancy is then linked to the possibilities of utilizing subsidies for the recommended 

measures. 

Abb.1 Organic Farmers for Nature Network in the Czech Republic in 2009. The red dots indicate 

enterprises involved in the “Organic Farmers for Nature” network in the Czech Republic. (2009) 

2. 2. Project team and cooperating organisations 

The following people were involved in implementation of the project in 2006-2009: 

Jiří Urban – fundraising, work with farms, international cooperation 



Karolína Dytrtová – project coordinator, financial manager, international 

cooperation 

Alena Malíková – farm adviser, manager of farm network 

Stanislava Čížková - botanist 

Kateřina Čapounová and Markéta Sáblíková – PR workers 

Jana Laciná – project activity coordinator since 2009 

Tomáš Berka – nature protection adviser, botanist 

Jana Kvapilová and Lucie Košťálová – administration 

We cooperated with a number of organisations, apart from our project partners FiBL 

Frick and FiBL Vienna, for example PPO-BIO Association of Organic Farmers, Palacky 

University in Olomouc, Daphne ČR – Institute for Applied Ecology, the Institute of 

Agricultural Economics and Information, the PRO-BIO League uniting organic 

consumers and friends of organic farming. 

2. 3. Buildup of a community of Organic Farmers for Nature 

The project had, and still has, the aim of improving communication and awareness in 

the community of organic farmers with a approach to protect of nature and landscape. 

The project supported four basic prerequisites for a functioning community: 

• collective interest (protection of nature and landscape unites members of the 

community and limits them in comparison with others), 

• forming a relationship (the activities of the project supported interaction between 

individual members), 

• interaction (mutual exchange of organic farmers’ approach and practical 

experience), 

• attraction (the project supported informal meetings and collective experience). 

Some of the events held within the project: 

2007 

In 2007 we prepared an excursion to Norway and Sweden for farmers involved in the 

project. From 14 th – 23 rd September 2007 we visited 7 organic farms, familiarised 

ourselves with practical examples or nature protection and visited Bioforsk – the 

Research Institute for Organic Farming in Norway. The excursion was highly-rated by 

the participants and fulfilled both a specialist purpose – supplying new knowledge and 

inspiration in the field of organic farming, as well as helping to build the community. 



Abb. 2 Excursion to organic farms in Norway 

2008 

Bioinstitut and the PRO-BIO Association prepared an informal event – the first Bio-Ball 

– for all farmers linked to the project, other friends of organic farming and lovers of 

organic wine. The event provided an opportunity for a friendly social evening and a 

celebration of the previous year in the organic sector. The first Bio-Ball took place on 

15 th February 2008 in Horka nad Moravou near Olomouc. 

Abb. 3 Presentation of organic produce to winners of the tombola at the Bio-Ball 

3. Research 

3. 1. Methodology for mapping farms 

During the project “Methodology for mapping farms” was completed. This focused on 

mapping biota and the subsequent increase in biodiversity on farms. The methodology 

focuses on evaluation of natural and semi-natural biotopes as well as cultural biotopes 

and biotopes heavily influenced by human activity. The aim is to obtain an overview of 

the current state of the farm land and, on the basis of the data gained, to propose the 

optimal management regime or the creation of appropriate landscape elements. At 

present the methodology is undergo a scientific review. 



Abb. 4 Mapping in the Country Life Company with Bioinstitut staff 

3. 2. Scientific monitoring of farms 

In the years 2007-2009 mapping was carried out using the methodology (details see 

previous reports) on 13 selected organic farms. On the basis of the mapping a farm 

plan for nature-friendly management was worked out for the majority of these farms. 

The aim of monitoring on farms was as follows: 

- evaluation of the state of the farm with regard to the level of biodiversity 

- identification of critical areas – with regard to soil, water and biodiversity 

- proposal of appropriate measures (via the farm plan) 

- confirmation with new methodology of mapping in the field and rectifying 

deficiencies 

- acquisition of information about the scientific value of the farm and utilisation 

of the data for promotion (information boards, leaflets) 

- use of the acquired information for grant applications for the renewal and 

creation of new biotopes (planting, fencing etc.). 

3.2.1. Some success stories from monitored model farms: 

Organic farming on meadows and pastures of Přemyslovské sedlo in Jeseníky Mts. 

One of the nicest places of the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains, Přemyslovské sedlo (The 

Premysl Saddle) has been farmed since the half of the 17th century. A patchwork of 

small fields, meadows and pastures of individual farms has been replaced after 

collectivization by vast complexes of consolidated land. Ivan Pur, who has been farming 

this land organically since 1994, was instrumental in resuming more nature-friendly 

cultivation of this unique territory. The “Letní stráň“ (Summer Hillside) farm specializes 



in husbandry of the old Scottish meat breed galloway. He endeavours to respect nature 

and farms on species-rich meadow communities using the methods that maintain 

diversity of grassland and create environment for various representatives of animals. In 

2008, Přemyslovské sedlo was declared a temporarily protected land area „Letní stráň“ 

(Summer Hillside) and our project outputs directly contributed to this declaration. 

Organic farming in a sensitive way adapts its activities to soil and climatic conditions on 

one hand and the needs of endangered species on the other. However, the farmer 

facilitates the preservation and growth of populations of rare plants and animals, also by 

intentional creation of „the places for nature“, that also contribute to the shaping of the 

beauty of the farmed landscape. Maintaining groves and hedgerows in the fields, 

solitaire trees, taken down stones, creating windbreak strips, as well as gradual 

harvesting of mowed areas represent places where small animals can hide and find 

feed. The postponement of mowing to the turn of July and August enables to ripen and 

drop seeds to orchids and other endangered species. The unique quality of 

Přemyslovské sedlo has been confirmed by botanical and zoological surveys. In many 

localities the incidence of endangered plants and animals has been confirmed – among 

plants, e.g. the Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), the Western Marsh 

Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis), the Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea), the Orange 

Lily/the Fire Lily (Lilium bulbiferum), among butterflies, e.g. The Purple Emperor 

(Apatura iris), the Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus) or the Purple-Shot Copper 

(Lycaena alciphron), among birds then the Corncrake (Crex crex) or the Red-Back 

Shrike (Lanius collurio). 

Abb. 5 The unique quality of Přemyslovské sedlo - endangered plants and animals 



Organic farming on the Janova hora in Krkonoše Mts. 

The Hucul Farm is situated in the village of Vítkovice in the western part of the 

Krkonoše Mountains. The Karbusický family organically farms the land area of 300 

hectares of sloping meadows and pastures that reach the altitude of 1,100 m above sea 

level and are located directly in the Krkonoše National Park. In the 1980’s this farm was 

one of two localities in then Czechoslovakia, where intense efforts aimed at preserving 

gene pool of Hucul horses were in progress. A herd consisting of eighty horses which is 

now grazing on the hillsides around the farm, ranks in terms of its quality and sized 

among the best Hucul breeds in the Czech Republic. A typical mountain climate is a 

suitable environment also for the Scottish mountain cattle breed Highland. For horses 

and cattle, the all-year-round breeding on pastures, even in harsh winter months, is 

beneficial. The farm pursues agro-tourism with accommodation in its own boarding 

house. The meat of animals slaughtered in the nearby slaughterhouse can be tasted in 

a cosy restaurant. The farm produces compost from organic farming raw materials. The 

Hucul Farm is an example of an enterprise that fulfils the so-called multifunctional 

organic farming model. Theoretical principles of sustainable development are fulfilled 

here directly in practice. Benefits of the organic farm a reflected in a wide range of 

activities (all-year-round employment in the region where otherwise only seasonal work 

is available; agro-tourism; promotion of local products; animal welfare; ecological 

education in practice; strengthening direct links between a farmer and a consumer; 

recondition horse-riding for handicapped children). 

The mountain landscape cultivated for centuries is gradually changing. Regular care for 

sloping meadows and pastures with typical taken down stones and walls requires much 

efforts that less and less people are nowadays willing to do. The Karbusický family is 

one of those few families that keep on farming in this region. Maintaining forest-free 

locations by extensive grazing and nature-friendly mowing is essential for preserving 

the landscape specifics and for preserving these specific locations that are of vital 

importance for many plant and animal species. During the monitoring, the presence of a 

number of protected types of plants was approved, such as e.g. orchids from the 

Orchideaceae family, several tens of species of hawkweeds of the Hieracium genus, the 

Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon), the Willow Gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea), the Spring 

Snowflake (Leucojum vernum), the European Common Twayblade (Listera ovata), 

Fragran Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea). Streamlets and waterlogged land are lined 

with thistles (Cirsium spp.), marsh marigolds (Caltha spp.), the Wood Club Rush 

(Scirpus sylvatica), the Cow Parsley (Chaerophyllum hirsutum), the White Butterbur 

(Petasites albus) or the Large Bittercress (Cardamine amara). On meadows the 

endangered Corncrake bird (Crex crex) lives, due to whom the farmer postpones the 

date of mowing in order that the bird might successfully nest. 



Abb. 6 The Hucul Farm - Maintaining forest-free locations by extensive grazing and nature-friendly 

mowing is essential for preserving the landscape specifics 

4. Advisory services 

4. 1. Practical advice 

During the term of the project the Bioinstitut workers provided advisory services to farms 

involved in the “Organic Farmers for Nature” project. On the basis of mapping of the 

farm land a farm plan for nature-friendly management is worked out. This focuses on 

increasing the biodiversity of the farm land. The plan for nature-friendly management 

gives simple and comprehensible advice on how to conserve ecologically valuable land, 

or how to extend it, establish it and improve its quality. Advice is also given regarding 

the possibilities of obtaining grants from the Czech Ministry of the Environment. If 

necessary, farmers are given a help in making applications. 

4. 2. Group advisory work and educational events 

2007 

On 26 th – 27 th April 2007 a course was held, in cooperation with Palacky University in 

Olomouc, entitled Organic Agriculture from a Scientific Viewpoint. The theme was the 

relationship of organic agriculture and other agro-environmental measures to 

biodiversity. As well as Czech experts focusing on soil research, plant communities on 

arable land and grassland, insects and birds, there were also presentations by foreign 

speakers - Johannes Frühauf, BirdLife, Austria and Roman Graf, Schweizwrische 

Vogelwarte, Switzerland. The theoretical element was taken up in an excursion to the 

Letní stráň farm of Mr Ivan Pur, where course participants were shown a specific 

example of the Organic Farmers for Nature project 



Abb. 6 Participants in the field of the course in April 2007 

2008 

Once again we organised a seminar for farmers involved in the network and the public 

on the themes of “Functional Biodiversity and Organic Farming” and “Biodynamic 

Farming”. The seminar took place on 4 th - 5 th February in the Sluňákov ecological centre 

near Olomouc. The aim was for foreign experts to present both these relatively new 

themes. Talks were given by e.g. Trygve Sund (Norway), Reidun Pommerasche 

(Norway), Kristy McKinnon (Norway) and others. Participants evaluated the seminar as 

being very beneficial; having well-chosen themes and speakers (8 talks were given). 

The two-day programme gave space for discussion between participants, an informal 

social evening and a tour of the Sluňákov centre low-energy building, where the 

seminar was held. Over the two days a total of 59 people took part in the seminar. 

2009 

Following on from the success of last year’s events we organized another seminar in 

the Sluňákov centre (17.-18.02.09) for specialists and the general public. This time the 

chosen theme was “Water and pollinating insects in the agricultural landscape”. 

The first day was devoted to the theme of water from various perspectives. Discussion 

focused on the problem of pollution of water sources due to agricultural activity, water 

erosion of soil, the possibilities and importance of retaining water in the landscape and 

the influence of changes in the agricultural landscape on global warming. The first day 

of the seminar was accompanied by a short excursion to the Litovelské Pomoraví 

Protected Landscape Area with the aim of introducing participants to revitalisation 

projects in the vicinity of the ecological centre and aspects of the fluvial landscape in the 

Protected Landscape Area. 



The second day focused on the problem of insect pollination in the agricultural 

landscape and the current critical state of decline in bee-keeping. Seminar participants 

were acquainted with the significance of commercially-kept bees, solitary bees and 

bumble-bees for a healthy, functioning landscape and also the importance of balanced 

diversification of the landscape for the life of insects. Besides this, the seminar raised 

the question of solitary bees as a significant bio-indicator of quality of the environment 

reacting sensitively to its pollution. 

The seminar was attended by a total of 47 people including farmers, advisers, 

representatives of governmental bodies and students. 

Abb. 7 Seminar at Sluňákov 2009 

5. Work with the public 

5. 1. Educational events 

The network of farms connected to the “Organic Farmers for Nature” project carry out 

active protection of nature and landscape on a regional level. The model farms serve as 

“flourishing examples” to both organic and conventional farms in education of the public. 

Bioinstitut organises open days on the farms, where these specific examples are used 

to present the benefits of organic farming in terms of protection of nature and 

landscape. These activities have increased the awareness of the activities of organic 

farmers among the specialist and general public. 



Abb. 8 Open-day on Mlýnec farm 

2007 

In 2007 the project included the organisation of two open-day events and one excursion 

to organic farms within the network: 

The first event took place on 23.06.07 on the Mlýnec farm near Tábor. As well as 

about 100 members of the general public, the event was attended by members 

of the local council, public institutions and representatives of local community 

organisations. Bioinstitut introduced visitors to the benefits of organic farming, not 

only for biodiversity of the Mlýnec valley, but also the benefits for local 

communities and residents of the surrounding area. 

On 8 th September, in the month traditionally declared “Organic Farming and Food 

Month” in the Czech Republic, an open-day was held on the organic farm of 

Josef Folta in Kateřinice near Příbor. The farm is included in the model farm 

network primarily due to the uniquely natural fusion of the agroecosystem with 

the local landscape. It is precisely this integration that provides a multitude of 

“places for nature”, offering refuge to over 85 species of birds. During the day the 

farm was visited by approximately 120 participants. 

A specialist excursion was held on 23.11.07 in connection with a seminar on 

organic animal-husbandry. It was organised by Bioinstitut in cooperation with the 

Animal Protection Trust. The participants were predominantly teachers from 

secondary schools of agriculture as well as current and newly-converted organicmilk 

producers. The destination was therefore the Agrofyto Lidečko enterprise, 

included in “Farmers for Nature” network, which specialises in organic dairy and 

beef cattle production within a whole farm approach for nature conservation.. 



The excursion then continued to the Valašské Mlékárny dairy where the organic 

milk from the Agrofyto farm is processed. 

Within the scope of educational activities, the staff of Bioinstitut also gave talks at 

numerous seminars and meetings for schools and the general public. A total of five 

lectures were prepared which presented the “Organic Farmers for Nature” project. 

2008 

In 2008 the project included the organisation of an open-day and two excursions to 

organic farms included in the network: 

On 25.05.08 an open-day was held on the Hucul organic farm. The farm has a 

long history of cooperation with the Krkonoše National Park in which the farm 

manages numerous localities featuring rare and protected species of plants and 

wildlife. The farm also has a long-term commitment to maintaining important 

landscape structure – e.g. stone walls and game refuges. The farm was voted 

Organic arm of the Year 2007 by the PRO-BIO organisation. Within the day of 

celebration Bioinstitut organised a lecture “A tidy landscape isn’t always a healthy 

landscape” and the official programme concluded with a volunteer project 

“Landscape gardening: try it yourself” which focused on planting shrubs. 

On 10.06.08 an excursion was made to the organic orchard of Bedřich Plíšek in 

Vinice near Hořice. This enterprise is involved in the “Organic Farmers for 

Nature” project. Elements of functional biodiversity are actively used in the 

orchard as well as biological protection of trees and the creation of refuges for a 

range of beneficial wildlife. 

Abb. 9 In Bedřich Plíšek’s orchard 



2009 

On 12.11.08 an excursion was made to the Country Life enterprise in 

Nenačovice. This farm is managed with regard for soil fertility, effort to minimise 

water and wind erosion and to support and care for species diversity of cultivated 

crops and the surrounding countryside. Among other things, the excursion also 

took participants to a mill and bakery on the farm and included an organic foodtasting. 

The event was attended by 57 people, including organic farmers, 

students of secondary schools of agriculture as well as aspiring bakers and other 

processors. 

In 2009 the project included two excursions to organic farms involved in the network: 

On 17.06.09 students of the Secondary School of Agriculture in Poděbrady 

visited the Hucul farm on Janova Hora in the Krkonoše region. The students 

spent the day on the farm, where they were acquainted not only with the 

breeding of Hucul horse, on which they could ride, but primarily with the day to 

day running of the farm to gain first-hand experience of the hard work involved 

in farming in the Krkonoše hills. Within practical volunteer work they were 

involved in the removal of dock from organic pasture, a job that has to be done 

physically, without the use of herbicide. This ecological approach is also 

appropriate for this area because the farm has land within the National Park. 

The students prepared a brief report on their practical work and created a 

presentation about the farm, using photographs they had taken themselves, and 

used this during project days at their school. 

On 19.06.09 an excursion was made to the Kadeřávek family farm in Věcov. 

The farm specialises in sheep-breeding and also manages meadows and 

pasture in the Žďárské Vrchy Protected Landscape Area. The owners have 

been actively involved in planting greenery and the formation of marshes within 

the farmland. The excursion was made within a workshop focusing on farm 

plans. 



Abb. 10 A walk through the ecological landscape of the Kadeřávek farm. 

5. 2. Information boards on model farms 

Between 2007- 2009 the project included the production of information boards to 

acquaint the public with the farming approach and scientific points of interest on given 

farms. The boards are mounted on solid wooden frames and are complete with plastic 

information posters. The boards are located on popular recreational routes (hiking trails, 

approach roads to farms). The aim is to introduce not only visitors, but also the local 

residents, to the character of organic farming. Each board is original in the information it 

gives, explains the history of the given location, the production focus of the farm and 

explains how organic farming can benefit landscape, nature and wildlife. Bioinstitut 

compiles the information in cooperation with the farmers, who thus have the opportunity 

to explain certain specific details to people visiting the farm or walking in the area. The 

boards explain e.g. the reason for uncut strips on grassland, late mowing of meadows 

to protect the corncrake, the function of small structures in the landscape or why some 

breeds can be kept outside all year. A total of 13 information boards were located on 9 

model farms. All the boards are built in the same style with the logo of the “Organic 

Farmers for Nature” project. 



Abb. 11 An information board on the premises of Letní Stráň 

5. 3. Leaflets 

In spring 2007 the first information leaflet was produced which introduced the basic 

philosophy of the project. It was the first leaflet in the Czech Republic to present organic 

farming as a tool for protection of nature and landscape. The leaflet refers to further 

sources of information and offers advice on care of the agricultural landscape. The 

leaflet mainly addresses farmers, to stimulate their interest in the “Organic Farmers for 

Nature” project, but also other target groups such as non-profit organisations active in 

nature protection, local government and last, but not least, the general public (e.g. 

consumers of organic product). 

During the project the information produced on the information boards was also 

published in the form of leaflets, which were provided to the associated farms to assist 

with their promotion. 



Abb. 12 Leaflets 

5. 4. News 

In a regular column in the nationwide magazine „Bio měsíčník pro trvale udržitelný život“ 

(Organic Monthly for Sustainable Living) we publish specialist information about organic 

farming and biodiversity, we inform readers of experience in organic farming and its 

related problems from abroad, of current news in the field of OF, grants, etc. 

An “Organic Farmers for Nature” newsletter is distributed to all farmers in the PRO-BIO 

Association, members of the PRO-BIO League for the protection of consumers of 

organic produce, enterprises involved in the “Organic Farmers for Nature Network”. It is 

also distributed on a pre-paid basis to the consumer public. Approximately 6000 copies 

are printed each month. Between October 2007 and the present day 20 thematic issues 

covering such subjects as e.g. organic farming in relation to birds, insects, amphibians, 

soil and landscape. They also focus on the agro-environmental grant programme and 

how it works abroad. Publications covered the experience of Ireland, England and 

Austria. 

The regular news column in Bioměsíčník is well received and is currently promoting the 

project nationwide. The column attracts further potential participants to join the “Organic 

Farmers for Nature” network. An electronic archive of all issues is accessible on the 

website www.bioinstitut.cz. 

5. 5. Guidebooks 

In 2008 Bioinstitut, in cooperation with the Natural Science Faculty of Palacky University 

in Olomouc, brought out a new publication: Non-forest woody vegetation – 



proposals, planting and maintenance. This booklet, with many illustrational 

photographs, gives a detailed view of the function of non-forest woody biotopes in the 

landscape, gives a detailed procedure for planning planting, actual planting of trees and 

shrubs, including their subsequent maintenance. The guidebook also includes an 

orientation overview of costs that can be expected in establishing elements of woody 

vegetation. A valuable feature of the guidebook is the appendix, which includes an 

index of woody types suitable for planting in the specific conditions of the Czech 

Republic. 

In cooperation with specialists on protection of nature and landscape, Bioinstitut 

published a new practical guidebook in 2009 entitled “A place for nature on your farm”. 

It takes the form of a 60 page colour catalogue with numerous photographs. This 

guidebook explains the significance of natural or semi-natural habitat on farmland and 

clarifies where we can find such habitat on the farm. The guidebook then goes on to 

describe specific types of “place for nature”, warns farmers how these places are 

threatened, how to reduce this threat and how to retain or even increase the biological 

diversity of wildlife and plants. The guidebook also contains procedures and rules for 

establishing new habitat, advice on how to improve conditions for wildlife inhabiting 

natural or semi-natural habitat and last, but not least, a brief list of national and European 

funds from which financial means can be obtained for the establishment and 

maintenance certain types of habitat. The guidebook was distributed free of charge to all 

members of the “Organic farmers for Nature” network and is also issued free at events 

and seminars organised by Bioinstitut. It is also freely available on the Bioinstitut website. 

Abb.13 Title pages of the publications Non-forest woody vegetation – proposals, planting and 

maintenance and A place for nature on your farm 



5. 6. Production of educational film on DVD 

Within the project a Czech translation was produced of a German educational film on 

DVD entitled “Organic Farming – optimisation with regard to nature protection – based 

on the Brodowin biodynamic farm”. The film describes approaches for nature-friendly 

farming and demonstrates specific measures which can help to support wildlife on the 

farm. Original production of the DVD resulted in 100 copies. Each farm involved in the 

“Organic Farmers for Nature” network received a copy. The rest were distributed free of 

charge and all copies were given out within 4 months. 

Consequently, the translation of a practical guide for organic farming in north-eastern 

Germany “Nature Protection in Organic Farming”, which advises organic farmers on a 

range of measures for the benefit of the countryside, was accomplished. 

Abb. 14 Title pages - DVD entitled 

“Organic Farming – 

optimisation with regard to 

nature protection” and 

practical guide for organic 

farming in north-eastern 

Germany “Nature 

Protection in Organic 

Farming” 

5. 7. Website 

All information and current 

events relating to our project 

can be found on the website 

http://www.bioinstitut.cz/ekozemedelci.htm. This year, with the help of FiBL, we have also 

set up a counter for visitors to the website, which will help us to evaluate the success 

and popularity of our website. 

5. 8. Media 

Throughout the project Bioinstitut has made every effort to actively promote the project. 

This has been successful partly due to the media boom in the Czech Republic relating 

to organic produce and organic farming in general. We have tried to exploit this for the 

promotion of aspects of environmental protection which relate to consumption of 

organic produce. The most successful item was a presentation in the documentary 

series “Náš venkov” (Our Countryside) filmed by Czech TV. The programme featured 

organic management of the Mlýnec farm and was broadcast on 29.09.07. In the 

programme the owner of the farm, Jaroslava Marková, spoke about the benefit of the 

project for her farm and the aim of the project was explained by Jiří Urban. A further 



presentation of the project was in a television debate between Jiří Urban and Alena 

Malíková for the commercial TV channel Prima and on Czech Radio in 2008. In total the 

project was cited in the media 58 times (printed and electronic media, including radio 

and TV). 

In 2009 the project was significantly promoted in relation to a visit by the Minister of 

Agriculture to the Agrofyto farm. A press release was issued by the Ministry of 

Agriculture in which the benefits of the “Organic Farmers for Nature” project were 

mentioned. The press release was taken up by numerous channels of printed and 

electronic media. 

5. 9. Specialist public 

Besides general educational activity among the public, Bioinstitut also organises 

numerous events and lectures where practical findings from nature protection on 

organic farms are discussed with specialists. 

 

 

A visit by German students of organic agriculture: On 01.06.07 students from the 

University of Bonn visited the Letní stráň farm in the Jeseníky region, one of the 

model farms. The visitors were introduced to the first farm in the Czech Republic to 

be run according to a farm plan for nature-friendly management. 

Bioacademy 2007: The international conference, held annually at the end of 

June in Lednice na Moravě, had a section dedicated to Organic Farming and 

Protection of Nature and Landscape. Bioinstitut staff presented the concept of the 

project and the methodology of farm plans for nature-friendly farming. 

Abb. 15 Bioacademy 



On 21.01.09 at the Palacky University in Olomouc Bioinstitut organised a workshop 

on agro-environmental measures, rules and problems in keeping them from the 

farmer’s viewpoint. The workshop programme was led by Prof. Šarapatka from 

Palacky University. Two presentations were given by ministry representatives and a 

practical adviser. A wide-ranging discussion then followed on individual agroenvironmental 

measures, optimum times for cutting individual types of grassland, 

systems of evaluation and proposal of agro-envi measures used abroad, landscape 

features and how to map and document them. The workshop was attended by 26 

specialists from ministries, universities, research institutes and NGOs. 

On 18. - 19. 06. 09 a two-day workshop was held on the Kadeřávek farm. The theme 

of the workshop was the need for individual advisory services in the field of agroenvironmental 

measures (AEM) and other measures in the relationship between 

farmers and protection of nature, landscape, soil and water on a farm level. Experts 

from the Czech Republic, Britain and Austria presented the ways of approaching a 

farm plan and how to use it in AEM. The workshop was attended by staff from 

government bodies, ministries, research organisations, NGOs and accredited 

advisors – 25 people in all. 

Abb. 16 Discussing the problems of farm plans with experts from abroad 

6. Political lobbying 

Cooperation with the Ministries of Agriculture and the Environment 

The aim of the project is to work out reasoning for the ministries of agriculture and the 

environment as the basis for change in the specification of agro-environmental 



measures for the new programme period from 2014. In forming this reasoning we 

cooperate with other organisations – Daphne ČR - Institute for Applied Ecology, the 

Institute of Agricultural Economics and Information, the Nature and Landscape 

Protection Agency. The main aim is the possibility of integrating individual advisory 

services and greater flexibility of agro-environmental measures for ecologically sensitive 

areas of the Czech Republic. At present we are actively preparing working meetings 

with representatives of both ministries. 

7. Cooperation with FiBL Frick and FiBL Vienna 

During the course of the project a number of meetings were held with colleagues from 

FiBL Frick and FiBL Vienna in which we exchanged information about methodical 

approaches in carrying out the project. These project meetings were held at least once 

a year. Within the project we also visited model farms involved in projects in Austria and 

Switzerland. 

Common project meetings and visits: 

• September 2006 – FiBL Frick (Switzerland) – first trilateral kick-off meeting 

• November 2006 – FiBL Frick (Switzerland) – workshop about methodology approach 

• June 2007 – Austria/Czech Republic – visit of Austrian and Czech model farms 

• August 2007 - FiBL Frick (Switzerland) - visit of Swiss model farms 

• November 2007 – FiBL Vienna (Austria) – presentation of project outputs 

• September 2008 – Jihlava (Czech Republic) - presentation of project outputs 

Abb. 17 With colleagues from FiBL Frick and FiBL Vienna on Czech model farm 

Acknowledgement 



We are grateful to Sonnenwiese Stiftung and Stiftung Assistance for their support. The 

project received the additional support of a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and 

Norway through the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial 

Mechanism intermediated by the Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) and by 

a grant from the Ministry of Agriculture, Czech Republic.

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