First announcement/call for papers:
WORKSHOP ON MIXED FARMING SYSTEMS IN EUROPE
Wageningen, May 1998
(see also http://www.agro.wau.nl/apm/workshop)
SCOPE
Mixed farming used to be the dominant type of farming in European
agriculture. With labour productivity as a driving force, conducted by
improved technologies, scientific knowledge, extension and EU-policy, farmers
turned their farms into specialised production systems. Mixed farming became
obsolete.
Recent years have witnessed a rapidly growing concern about the quality of
life and natural resources. At present European governments try to address
public demands concerning quality of food, air and water, land use, animal
welfare and nature. In this respect European agriculture should become
sustainable.
A modern way of mixed farming, characterised by intensive co-operation
between various agricultural production sectors, could contribute to
sustainability of European agriculture. To mention some issues:
- effective management of nutrient cycles;
- less financial risks;
- spreading risks of pests and diseases;
- more efficient use of or less dependency on external inputs;
- improved distribution of labour requirement.
The concept of mixed farming can be elaborated in different ways. In several
European countries, research groups are working on mixed farming systems.
However, until now there has hardly been any exchange of concepts, ideas and
experiences between the various groups. This workshop on mixed farming
systems in Europe is expected to strengthen communication lines.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
- bring together scientists from several disciplines and European countries,
who are involved in research on mixed farming systems;
- exchange and discuss various concepts, ideas, research methods and
strategies and experiences concerning mixed farming;
- establish a permanent European discussion group on mixed farming systems,
that might result in proposals for new collaborative research in the context
of the EU concerted action plan.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
The workshop will last 3 to 4 days. The program will contain the following
topics:
- general overview: need, definitions and 'pros and cons' of mixed farming
systems;
- state of the art of mixed farming research in different European countries;
- perspectives
- discussion and conclusions
The program will also include a visit to the ir. A.P. Minderhoudhoeve; an
experimental farm of the Wageningen Agricultural University, where two mixed
farming systems (ecological and integrated) are being developed (info:
http://www.agro.wau.nl/apm)
REGISTRATION
The workshop is relevant to all European agricultural scientists that work on
mixed farming systems or are planning to do so in the future. It is planned
in May 1998, provided the response to this first announcement is sufficiently
strong. If you are interested in this workshop and you want to be informed,
please fill in the pre-registration form with the following data:
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Name and title
Institution
Department
Address
City+Zip Code
Country
Phone
Fax
E-mail:
choose an option:
- I want to participate in this workshop
- I want to give an oral presentation
if so, please attach an abstract to this form
- I want to be further informed
Please do not hesitate to contact, if you have any comments or suggestions
Return this form before 15 December 1997 to:
Workshop Mixed Farming Systems in Europe
c/o J. Wolfert
Department of Computer Science, Wageningen Agricultural University
Dreijenplein 2, 6703 HB WAGENINGEN, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 317 484724 Fax: +31 317 483158
E-mail: sjaak.wolfert@users.info.wau.nl
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