Pilot projects nature-inclusive agriculture
Within the LIFE project Belgium for Biodiversity (B4B), VLM and ANB will reinforce their commitment to nature-inclusive agriculture in several pilot areas in Flanders. Using Soft Systems Methodology, INBO will explore the opportunities farmers and other actors see there to work more nature-inclusively. This involves both measures in function of certain species or habitats and agro-ecological practices.
Green-blue business models for farmers
In the project Green-blue business models for farmers commissioned by the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, INBO explores inspiring examples and policies for green-blue measures in the agricultural area. Together with Bolhuis and Mieco-effect, some promising examples are calculated in business terms.
Nut weevil in food forests
"A tough nut to crack? Natural dynamics of antagonist communities affecting fitness of a nut tree pest insect in food forests" This is the doctoral research of Fien Debussche (VUB). She investigates how natural communities of pest insects in food forests can prevent problems with nut weevil.
Agro-ecological agriculture and nature restoration in the Brussels Region
Can scraps of (former) agricultural land with green use on the outskirts of the Brussels Region serve nature restoration and agro-ecological agriculture at the same time? During the project Urban agriculture in Brussels, we found 76 inspiring cases in Belgium and abroad and chose eight of them for in-depth research. From these we concluded that agroecological farmers are important partners for policy.
Cereal farmers with nature
The Cereal Farming with Nature project brought together 15 farmers, millers and bakers to study agroecological practices at the Agroecology Trial Platform in Hansbeke and experiment together. Based on joint discussions, researchers collect data, which are then discussed with the farmers, millers and bakers. This project is the result of the Agriculture-Nature Project Call: in search of a win-win.
Wildlife-friendly farming
In the project Protecting the Area's Resources Through Researched Innovative Demonstration of Good Examples (PARTRIDGE), we are conducting ecological and socio-economic research on the feasibility and effects of wildlife friendly farming on partridge populations (flagship species), biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Short rotation coppice
INBO is participating in the AD LIBIO research project on renewable energy by conducting research on short rotation coppice. This biomass cultivation can increase biodiversity in the agricultural landscape and provide other services such as carbon fixation, erosion prevention, wind protection and natural pest control. In addition, it can also be a strategy for a farmer to produce his own energy. On the other hand, cultivation can also have negative effects on the environment and the cost can quickly add up if the wrong decisions are made.
Hamster protection
INBO conducted an evaluation of 25 years of hamster protection and policy in the Netherlands.