ORGANIC COOPERATIVE APPROACHES TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The project also sought to promote dialogue with fodder companies and researchers, in order to develop the market for organicprotein fodder and grain, while supporting farmer-led research on the issue. Various capacity-building approaches encouragedfarmers to improve their production methods and management, in order to increase the amount of organic fodder they producedlocally. This not only enabled farmers to meet and exchange fodder, but also stimulated cooperation between livestock andarable farmers. There are now 250 active partners in the network, ranging from organic and conventional farmers and farmingorganisations to advisors and consultants, fodder companies and researchers.RESULTSThe demand for fodder supplies was identified, and the potential for producing organic fodder in different regions of Swedenwas promoted using magazines and websitesStakeholders were shown good examples of local fodder production, and introduced to methods of overcoming localproduction constraintsGreater collaboration between farmers, SMEs and researchers has been developed to address the issue in proactive, practicaland innovative ways.LESSONS LEARNTCollaboration between farmers meets the need for better crop rotations on arable farms, while also improving local fodderproduction for livestock farms.Farmers who plan their production together with one or two other farms have seen many advantages and it has helped themto improve their production and management practices.With the improved and innovative local fodder production it is now possible to promote local farms as more environmentallyfriendly, with less transportation and improved self-sufficiency. This helps to create greater consumer confidence in organicproducts.FUNDINGPart of the project was financed through the Swedish Rural Development Programme under the agri-environmental measure.This is co-financed with national and EU funds.FURTHER INFORMATIONEkologiska LantbrukarnaMaria Dirke+46 155 21 74 79maria.dirke@ekolantbruk.se23