Niche Market Farming

The agricultural sector is challenged by at least two developments. First, small and family farms are struggeling under market pressures to grow. Second, the agricultural sector is affected by and...

The overall aim of the project was to promote the preservation of agricultural biodiversity. To achieve this, the project wanted and has created a learning platform linking information on the cultivation of old varities with two valorization strategies. Linking the cultivation of old varities with valorization strategies, the project provides an economic perspective in the way of three niche markets for small and family farms.

A variety of activities were implemented. At the center of the project was the development of four project results. PR 1 includes a state-of-the-art report on the preservation of old varieties and information how to get access and cultivate old varities. PR 2 describes organic farming and PR 3 geographic indications (PDO, PGI, TSG) as valorization strategies and niche markets for farmers. Furthermore, dissemination activities were implemented and mulitplier events organised in Italy, Spain, and Poland. The overall implementation included partnership meetings (online and offline), reflecting approaches and outputs with practicioners and quality management.

Concrete outputs are the learning content that is provided on the learning platform (see: nichemarketfarming.eu). Furthermore, the project was discussed at several events and presented to researches, and political decision-makers and representatives from (mostly farmers) interest groups from the European to the local level but most importantly farmers. These activities created an awareness for the importance of preserving agricultural biodiversity and for the multiple niche markets of cultivating old varities according to organic standards and the certification of geographic indications.