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Germany

Living Lab profile Type of Living Lab: Seed Lead partner: DeFAF Climatic zone: Continental Type of Agroforestry Systems: Silvoarable, silvopastoral Type of farming: Organic and conventional Main challenges: Water quality, biodiversity, soil health, climate change Main activities to date The German Living Lab in Brandenburg, coordinated by DeFAF, conducted stakeholder surveys to identify key needs and expectations, alongside a mapping of agroforestry value chains. Initial cost-benefit analyses were carried out for both baseline situations and selected agroforestry measures. A key pilot farm, run by Thomas Domin in Peickwitz, served as the main LL site.Further activities included reviewing agroforestry-relevant CAP instruments and national strategic…

Living Lab profile

Type of Living Lab: Seed

Lead partner: DeFAF

Climatic zone: Continental

Type of Agroforestry Systems: Silvoarable, silvopastoral

Type of farming: Organic and conventional

Main challenges: Water quality, biodiversity, soil health, climate change

Main activities to date

The German Living Lab in Brandenburg, coordinated by DeFAF, conducted stakeholder surveys to identify key needs and expectations, alongside a mapping of agroforestry value chains. Initial cost-benefit analyses were carried out for both baseline situations and selected agroforestry measures. A key pilot farm, run by Thomas Domin in Peickwitz, served as the main LL site.
Further activities included reviewing agroforestry-relevant CAP instruments and national strategic plans to identify opportunities for policy alignment. A comprehensive inventory and analysis of existing agroforestry tools and models was developed, leading to the creation of an online catalogue. This also involved defining FAIRness criteria and assessing tool input/output parameters for integration into an open digital architecture. Key tools in development include the Open Farm Carbon Calculator (OFCT), now being re-coded for better interoperability, and the AgroforesTreeAdvice app for species selection support.

Some key actions:
– The LL has posted a number of press releases on these activities also sent out press invitation: https://agroforst-info.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DeFAF_Presse-Einladung_Staatssekretaerin-Bender-besucht-Agroforst-Domin-Peickwitz.pdf
– Also their LL farmer received a price, the LL celebrated with the minister: https://agroforst-info.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DeFAF-2024-PM_Prof.Niklas-Medaille_Thomas.Domin_.pdf
– The LL heldp a meeting in Lommatzsch, not directly in the LL, but next to it: https://agroforst-info.de/treffen-regionalgruppe-sachsen/
– The LL regularly reports on publications, e.g.: https://agroforst-info.de/agroforestreeadvice-neues-tool-zur-baumartenwahl-entwickelt/
– The LL has a big agroforestry event coming up this fall. (10th anniversary)
– The LL is working on the carbon farming modelling event in June 2025. This which is a specific topic we will deepen in the remaining year of the project.

Next steps and exploitation focus

  • Finalising the redevelopment of the Open Farm Carbon Calculator using modern frameworks to enable automated data input and compatibility with EU agri-environmental indicators.
  • Continuing the development and testing of AgroforesTreeAdvice to provide site-adapted tree species recommendations based on farmer needs and environmental goals.
  • Aligning data variables and formats between digital tools and national monitoring systems to support streamlined integration.
  • Presenting tools through the EURAF GitHub and agroforestry communities to promote adoption and collaboration.
  • Preparing targeted dissemination materials and training sessions on the application of the tools in German agroforestry systems, with a focus on carbon, biodiversity and climate resilience modelling.

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