Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, known for its leadership in organic agriculture, is taking steps to further improve its bioregional value chains. In an effort to strengthen the local processing and marketing of organic products, the region’s agriculture minister, Till Backhaus, has announced a new competition under the theme “Network – Bioregional Value Creation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.” This initiative aims to address the need for greater collaboration among local actors to maximize the potential of regional organic production.
Expanding Local Value Creation in Organic Agriculture
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern boasts one of the highest shares of organic farming in Germany. However, to sustain and advance its success, more needs to be done to improve the regional processing and marketing of organic produce. Minister Backhaus emphasized the significance of leveraging the existing network of actors working on bioregional topics. “We want to build a new network and pool expertise to fully tap the potential of bioregional value creation,” Backhaus stated.
The competition offers an opportunity for the agricultural sector to collaborate with various partners to enhance value chains for locally grown organic products. The goal is to ensure that these products are processed and sold within the region, contributing to local economies while promoting sustainability.
Funding and Project Details
The competition is backed by up to €500,000 in funding to support projects that encourage cooperation and innovation in regional value creation. The initiative seeks to create a statewide network by bringing together key stakeholders from across agriculture and related sectors.
The project, running from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029, invites applications from partnerships consisting of at least three partners, with one required to be from the organic farming sector. Other eligible partners include companies in the food industry, regional marketing enterprises, conservation organizations, research institutions, and agricultural service providers. This multi-sector approach ensures that the entire value chain, from production to consumer, benefits from the network’s resources.
The competition focuses on supporting concepts and projects that emphasize regional collaboration, thereby increasing the value of locally grown organic products. Lessons learned from the initiative will be shared with organic farmers, processors, and marketers throughout the state, contributing to the broader success of the organic agriculture industry in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Potential Benefits for Organic Farming
Strengthening bioregional value chains not only benefits organic farmers but also supports the development of local economies. By processing and selling more organic products within the region, the initiative helps reduce reliance on external markets, cuts transportation costs, and ensures that more of the value created remains in the local economy.
Additionally, by enhancing collaboration across sectors, the competition aims to address common challenges in organic farming, such as improving sustainability practices, increasing productivity, and expanding market access for smaller farms. As the organic sector continues to grow in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, such initiatives are vital to ensuring long-term success and environmental stewardship.
The competition “Network – Bioregional Value Creation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern” represents a significant opportunity for the organic farming community and related sectors to collaborate on increasing the value and sustainability of locally produced goods. By fostering stronger partnerships and offering financial support, the initiative will help further solidify Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s position as a leader in organic agriculture. The lessons learned from these projects will set a precedent for bioregional collaboration, offering a model for other regions to follow.
