AgroBioDiv

AgroBioDiv is an interdisciplinary, participatory project, led by Jale Tosun and Marcus Koch, funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg, blending expertise in the fields of biology and political science to foster biodiversity within larger landscapes. The project aims to develop integrated strategies and political instruments for increasing biodiversity in Baden-Württemberg through organic agriculture for long-term sustainability. The biodiversity of agricultural fields will be measured and observed with farmers and conservationists in various case study regions. Applying discourse analysis, the problem definition of biodiversity loss will be examined within local political processes through observation of meetings and interviews with decision-makers.

We are invesigating the following research questions: What effects and interactions do organic varieties and organic farming in general have on biodiversity in the agricultural landscape? How is biodiversity perceived in politics and public administration?
What interests are represented in the political-administrative process?
What are the effects of the various policy instruments to achieve a transformation of agricultural ecosystems in Baden-Württemberg towards sustainability?

The aim of the project is to contribute to the development of agro-ecosystems in Baden-Württemberg towards sustainability through observation and awareness-raising. In view of the loss of biodiversity in the agricultural landscape, which we are all currently aware of due to the massive extinction of insects, and rapid climate change, we are observing agro-biodiversity as a central component of the ecological structure in our cultural landscape. We ask ourselves to what extent an agriculture that takes different paths from plant breeding to the market can set the trend in an ecologically sustainable direction.

I am joining this research project in the final phase until June 2024 for data evaluation and analysis as well as publication of the results. Different manuscrips are in preparation such as “Political measures to promote sustainable agriculture and their perception by their target group”, “The “hottest January ever” in Germany. Farmers’ protests and discourse on agriculture and food production” and “Analyzing governance networks of agri-food production. Are regional farming cooperatives a sustainable and successful strategy in times of crisis?”