vision & mission
vision
We envision a world where we can produce high quality food while protecting the natural environment through farming in respect with nature.
We believe that we can achieve such a sustainable farming system through organic agriculture.
mission
Improving organic agriculture with research, advisory, dissemination and support activities, thus making agriculture more performant and resilient.
This will empower farmers to implement sustainable farming practices in Luxembourg.
aims & objectives
aims & objectives
IBLA sees the purpose and aims of its efforts in research, consultancy, education and communication on topics of organic agriculture.
These objectives are achieved by:
- Research and development of practical methods for organic and biodynamic agriculture; Taking into account nutritional, ecological and socio-economic aspects.
- Research of aspects of agriculture that are socially relevant;
- The establishment of an extension service for agricultural holdings and public bodies, with the aim to provide organic and biodynamic agriculture with the importance it deserves.
- Education of producers and consumers on organic and biodynamic agriculture as well as promotion of cooperation between producers, trade and consumers.
- Promotion of training in organic and biodynamic agriculture at the training and education centres in Luxembourg.
Since 2015, the IBLA has been a registered non-profit organization and has also been recognized as an official research institute in Luxembourg.
board
the board
FELTEN Claude (agricultural engineer)
-President
COLLING-VON ROESGEN Jean-Louis (farmer)
-Vice President
CONTER Gérard (agricultural engineer)
-Treasurerer
JACOBS Francis (farmer)
KAES Jean-Marie (farmer)
KOEUNE Marco (farmer)
NOESEN Charel (farmer)
SCHANCK Aender (businessman)
-Members
team
Stéphanie ZimmerDr. agr. | Director IBLA
+352 26 15 13 -84
+352 621 30 25 23
Hanna HeidtDr. agr. | Research and Development
+352 621 34 00 96
Evelyne StollMRes. Env. Analysis and Assessment | Research and Development
+352 621 28 74 66
Laura LeimbrockM. Sc. Env. Sciences | Research and Development
+352 621 64 71 26
Sabine KeßlerDr. rer. nat. / Dipl. Env. Sciences | Research and Development
+352 26 15 13 -90
Kerstin KlemmM. Sc. Env. Sciences | Research and Development
+352 26 15 13 -91
+352 621 51 24 51
Sonja KanthakVintner, B. Sc. org. agri. | Extension Service Viticulture
Mathieu WolterB. Sc. Agronomy | Research and Development | Extension Service Agriculture
+352 26 15 13 -89
+352 621 67 84 67
Jean-Paul WeisM. Sc. Animal husbandry | Extension Service Agriculture
+352 621 39 27 48
Svenja ZelderM. Sc. Animal husbandry | Extension Service Agriculture
+352 621 75 18 75
Kerstin ThielenBack office
+352 26 15 13 -88
Thorsten RufDr. rer. nat. | M. Sc. Env. Sciences | Research and Development
+352 26 15 13 -78
+352 621 73 40 05
Ben MangenB. Sc. Agronomy | Extension Service Agriculture
+352 621 49 40 09
Jörg PaulyDr. agr. | Extension Service viticulture | Research and Development
+352 621 67 73 51
Philip BarthM. Sc. Organic Agriculture I Extension Service Agriculture I Research & Development
+352 26 15 13 -92
+352 621 30 25 22
extension services offer agriculture
agriculture
The IBLA extension service for your agricultural holding presents itself
- You are a farmer and want to explore the production and business management possibilities a conversion to organic agriculture can offer your farm?
- You have decided to convert your farm to organic agriculture and need competent advice and support during the conversion phase?
- You are already an organic farmer and need help with a specific problem?
- You want to get first insights into the methods of organic farming?
- You want to profit from the benefits of leguminous crops in your crop rotation and need help in variety selection, production technology and the design of your crop rotation?
If one of these situations applies to you, the IBLA agricultural extension service has just the right offers for you. Our advisers have knowledge in all fields of organic agriculture due to their education and many years of practical experience. We combine research and practice and offer a wide range of extension services suited to fit your professional and personal needs. Our advisers are active both on a regional and Europe-wide level to provide you with the best service.
They offer a wide range of advice, from arable land and grassland to animal husbandry and feeding. They are your contact before and during the conversion. Their consulting services include crop rotation, fertilization and soil cultivation in field fodder and crop production with the aim of increasing natural soil fertility and yield potential.
You can profit from their long-standing experience and their knowledge regarding animal health and performance. This includes questions related to breeding, keeping, feeding and ration calculation, as well as grassland-management and improvement.
Variety recommendations are based on the results of our variety trials. Another focus of IBLA is the cultivation of legumes. Here you can benefit from our experience gained through field experiments on cultivation techniques and variety trials. Business analyses and individual support in the implementation of the guidelines for organic agriculture complete our offers in the agricultural extension service.
extension services and further education offers
Take advantage of IBLA's extension service and further education offers and benefit from years of experience in consulting and research. Arrange a personal consultation on your farm or choose from the IBLA modules the one best suited for your farm:
- Module 15.1: Organic agriculture – Pre-transitional initial consultation (for conventional holdings)
- Module 15.2: Organic agriculture – Pre-transition, intensive (for conventional holdings)
- Module 16: Organic agriculture – Transition (for holdings under conversion)
- Module 17a: Organic agriculture (for certified organic holdings)
- Module 17b: Methods of organic agriculture (for conventional holdings)
- Module 8: Legume cultivation (for all holdings)
- Module 9: Group consultation on crop production (for all holdings)
contact extension services agriculture
Jean-Paul Weis
Mobile +352 621 39 27 48
Svenja Zelder
Mobile +352 621 75 18 75
Ben Mangen
Mobile +352 621 49 40 09
extension services offer viticulture
viticulture
The IBLA extension service for organic viticulture presents itself
- You already make use of the natural biological processes in many areas of production and want to explore the production and business management possibilities a conversion to organic viticulture can offer your winery?
- You have decided to change your winery to organic viticulture and you need competent advice and support during the conversion phase?
- You already are an organic winegrower and want the latest information in plant protection during the vegetative phase? You want competent expertise and want to be part of a strong network?
- You want to get insight into organic cultivation methods?
Then IBLA Viticulture Consulting has exactly the right offers for you! Thanks to his training and many years of practical experience, our viticulture consultant has knowledge in all areas of organic viticulture. He is well networked regionally and Europe-wide and will support you. IBLA Viticulture Consulting combines research and practice and offers a comprehensive range of advice according to your winery-specific and personal requirements.
Jörg Pauly, who has managed his own organic winery for 20 years, studied agricultural sciences at the University of Bonn and then became a PhD in agricultural sciences (Dr. agr.). These studies were followed by 10 years of scientific work in agricultural and landscape research, as well as 20 years of managing his own organic winery. He will be happy to support you and give you advice in all matters relating to viticulture. From organic cultivation in the vineyard, to soil and greening maintenance, to plant protection and organic winemaking, he will advise you according to your operational goals and personal wishes. Wine-growing businesses are given targeted support both, before, during and after the conversion. In doing so, attention is always paid to the individual winery and weather-related conditions. Regular inspection rounds in the vineyards as well as newsletters during the growing season provide you with the most important current information on. Become part of a grown consulting community that is in close contact with practice and research.
extension services and further education offers
Take advantage of IBLA's extension service and further education offers and benefit from years of experience in consulting and research. Arrange a personal consultation on your winery or choose from the IBLA modules the one that best suited for you:
- Module 23.1: Organic viticulture – Pre-transitional initial consultation (for conventional holdings)
- Module 23.2: Organic viticulture – Pre-transition, intensive (for conventional holdings)
- Module 24: Organic viticulture – Transition (for holdings under conversion)
- Module 25a.1: Organic viticulture – soil fertility (for certified organic holdings (
- Module 25b.2: Methods used in organic viticulture – plant health (for conventional, partially converted and certified organic holdings (>0,1 ha))
contact extension services viticulture
Jörg Pauly
Mobile +352 621 677 351
communication
network of demonstration farms
organic agriculture Luxembourg
Our goal is to provide consumers and conventional farmers, processors and merchants with an insight into organic agriculture and through farm visits, festivals and practice days to our 9 demonstration farms. These visits offer a practice oriented insight into the everyday life on an organic farm and winery, as well as the special quality, the opportunities and challenges of organic agriculture.
In addition, the demonstration farms provide information on their production focus and marketing forms, as well as regional growing conditions. For this reason, organic farms from different regions and with different main branches have been selected to show the variety of organic agriculture in Luxembourg.
If you want to visit one of these demonstration farms, contact us or the farms directly to make an appointment for your visit. The project “demonstration farms organic agriculture” is an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Consumer protection/ASTA financed within the framework of the organic action plan in Luxembourg.
A Mechels
The farm is located in the reservoir region of Luxembourg and has been family-owned for generations. The conversion to organic agriculture took place in 1988 (member of Bio-Lëtzebuerg). The main motivation for the conversion was the protection of the drinking water resources as well as the general protection of other natural resources. The main focus of the farm is the dairy production. The produced organic milk is delivered to the BIOG dairy. Veal and potatoes can also be bought on the farm.
Marco Koeune
18, rue Laach, L-9655 Harlange
621 314 761
26 91 70 72
mechel@pt.lu
An Dudel
The farm has been farmed according to the guideline of organic farming since 2000 (member of Bio-Lëtzebuerg). The main production branch is broilers; the chicken are from the French Sasso breed and are the result of a crossbreeding of different slow growing meat breeds. The farm both rears male and female animals. A big portion of the chicken feed is grown on the farms itself. Meat marketing is carried out privately and by the BIOG. In addition, pumpkins and apples are also marketed via the BIOG and on the farm.
Marc Emering
Rue de la croix, L-4998 Sprinkange
37 08 86 / 691 370 886
37 05 92
andudel@pt.lu
A Schiewesch
The farm has been an rganic farm since 2001 (member of Bio-Lëtzebuerg). The driving force for this transition was the environmental consciousness of Myriam Baltes, as she wanted the farm from early on to be farmed as close to nature as possible. The main branches of the farm are goat dairy production and suckler cow husbandry. The produced meat is partly sold through the Luxemburgish label “Bio-Maufel”, a marketing initiative from Luxembourgish organic farmers. The produced goat milk is processed into cream cheese and hard and soft cheeses at the farm dairy. The marketing of the final products is arranged by the farm itself, and sold in various shops in Luxembourg. However, there is still much more to discover on the farm: The family rents holiday homes, keeps a donkey and Shetlandponys and wants to start again with the pork husbandry.
Daniel & Myriam Baltes
Um Suewel, L-9186 Stegen
80 74 62 / 691 711 507
mimidan@pt.lu
Domaine Sunnen-Hoffmann
Since 2001 the traditional vineyard “Caves Sunnen-Hoffmann” follows the guidelines of organic viticulture (member of Bio-Lëtzebuerg). It was the first vineyard that fully converted to organic in Luxembourg. The motivation behind this conversion was a logical consequence of the family traditions: producing wine in its typical and soil-borne character, whilst simultaneously respecting and protecting nature. The main focus of the conversion was the care and cultivation of the soil. The high-quality wines, which are influenced by the characteristics of their specific origin, can be bought directly at the vineyard or at selected organic food shops and other retailers. The vineyard also offers organic wines from other origin in their own on site wine store and supports thus organic wine pioneers from abroad.
Corinne Kox-Sunnen & Yves Sunnen
6, rue des Prés, L-5441 Remerschen
23 66 40 07
23 66 43 56
info@caves-sunnen.lu
Jeekel’s Haff
After his studies, Guy Arend took over his family farm and made the conversion to organic agriculture in 1987 (member of Bio-Lëtzebuerg). The main sector of the farm is the Aberdeen-Angus suckler cow husbandry and the production of organic seeds; both sectors Guy Arend himself helped to establish in Luxembourg. The meat products are sold on the local farm, through COBOLOUX and through a private butcher from Pétange. The farm also offers their own products in their own farm shop.
Guy Arend-Stemper
11, an de Jenken, L-4745 Pétange
50 35 72
23 65 14 20
biobujek@pt.lu
Karelshaff
Since 2002 the family farm of Jean-Louis and Alice Colling-von Roesgen has been run according to the guidelines of organic agriculture (member of Bio-Lëtzebuerg). The motivation behind this conversion was that the family could hardly imagine how an authentic taste and high food quality could be achieved with any other type of farming. The main branches are the Limousin suckler cow husbandry, broilers, and the production of organic seeds. The fair and appropriate treatment of the animals is very important to the family. The meat products are sold to private customers.
Jean-Louis & Alice Colling-von Roesgen
Carelshof, L-7730 Colmar-Berg
88 81 63
88 82 95
jeanlou@pt.lu
Schanck Haff
The Schank Haff farm follows the guidelines of bio-dynamic (Demeter) agriculture since 1980 (member of Bio-Lëtzebuerg). From the start, the care of nature and environmental protection was a concern and a focus of the Schanck Hafff. The main sector of the farm is dairy production, cereal production and cultivation of specialty crops (potatoes and carrots). The variety on their farm is further complemented by the processing of various products directly on the farm, in their own farm bakery and the BIOG farm dairy. They also sell their own products in the Naturata farm shop situated on their farm.
Jos Schanck
Duerfstroos Nr. 10, L-9755 Hupperdange
99 75 08
97 94 44
josschanck@gmail.com
projects
bio-wsk lux
Characterization of the main value chains of organic agriculture in Luxembourg
The government's goal is, to increase the proportion of organically farmed land in Luxembourg from currently around 6% to 20% by 2025 in order to help shape the “green deal” of EU policy in Luxembourg. In order to achieve the government's target of 20% organically farmed land, it must be ensured that the domestic sales channels can absorb, process and market the increased production volumes. Therefore, in this project, for the first time, a complete study of the current situation of the value chain for organic food in terms of production and distribution is being carried out. The data collected serve as a basis for evaluating the performance potential of the value chain in Luxembourg and deriving recommendations for measures. The data obtained in this way is analysed quantitatively and qualitatively in order to evaluate the various companies comparatively. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews are conducted with stakeholders at processing and sales level. Attention is paid particularly to reflect the variety of different types of business, from direct marketing to catering, retail and wholesale, in the interviews. Based on the qualitative analysis of the questionnaires and best-practice examples from Luxemburg and abroad, a catalogue of recommendations for action for each type of company is created. Together with the Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la Viticulture and the stakeholders involved, the various recommendations for actions are prioritized, taking into account various aspects such as potential for improvement, feasibility and costs. This classification serves as a basis for optimally using the existing potential of the value chain for organic food in Luxembourg and for efficiently steering the future direction.
2023-2024
tassili
Biotechnology To Fight Fungal Infections in Plants; The Use of Saponins Isolated from Fabaceae
Public concerns about the environment and the detrimental impact of pesticides make that fewer and fewer tools to ensure production are available for farmers. Nonetheless, studies show that banning the use of fungicides results in a decreased agricultural production, thereby further endangering the need to feed a growing world population. For these reasons, there is a huge effort ongoing to find new, environmental-friendly fungicides and these are searched in bacteria, fungi and plants.
Plants cannot run away from unfavourable conditions, but they have, through evolution, developed a number of mechanisms that allow them to survive non-optimal conditions, including exposure to pathogens. One of these mechanisms is the synthesis and accumulation of small molecules with activities that protect plants from infections. Among these compounds, saponins are known and studied to protect plants from fungal infections. However not all plants produce the same saponins and this in different quantities, furthermore not all fungi have the same sensitivity for saponins.
Mining data from previous projects resulted in the identification of saponins in stems from different Fabaceae, and it was seen that the conditions wherein these plants grow have an impact on the composition of the saponin pools of these plants. Based on this TASSILI will provide the fundamental data for further studies towards the production of saponin-based fungicides extracted from locally-grown Fabaceae (alfalfa, peas, soybean and faba bean).
Extracts will be made from different varieties of the mentioned plants. This will generate a set of extracts with different composition and thus potentially different fungicidal activities against plant pathogenic fungi. The activity of these extracts will be tested against some common plant pathogenic fungi: Botrytis cinerea (a pathogen in viticulture), Fusarium graminearum and Zymoseptoria tritici two important pathogens in grain cultivation. By testing a diverse set of extracts against these fungi, TASSILI will result in the correlation between the composition of the extracts and the measured fungicidal activity. Furthermore, the saponins that contribute most to this activity will be identified.
Plants cannot run away from unfavourable conditions, but they have, through evolution, developed a number of mechanisms that allow them to survive non-optimal conditions, including exposure to pathogens. One of these mechanisms is the synthesis and accumulation of small molecules with activities that protect plants from infections. Among these compounds, saponins are known and studied to protect plants from fungal infections. However not all plants produce the same saponins and this in different quantities, furthermore not all fungi have the same sensitivity for saponins.
Mining data from previous projects resulted in the identification of saponins in stems from different Fabaceae, and it was seen that the conditions wherein these plants grow have an impact on the composition of the saponin pools of these plants. Based on this TASSILI will provide the fundamental data for further studies towards the production of saponin-based fungicides extracted from locally-grown Fabaceae (alfalfa, peas, soybean and faba bean).
Extracts will be made from different varieties of the mentioned plants. This will generate a set of extracts with different composition and thus potentially different fungicidal activities against plant pathogenic fungi. The activity of these extracts will be tested against some common plant pathogenic fungi: Botrytis cinerea (a pathogen in viticulture), Fusarium graminearum and Zymoseptoria tritici two important pathogens in grain cultivation. By testing a diverse set of extracts against these fungi, TASSILI will result in the correlation between the composition of the extracts and the measured fungicidal activity. Furthermore, the saponins that contribute most to this activity will be identified.
2023-2026
commect
Bridging the digital divide and addressing the need of Rural Communities with Cost-effective and Environmental-Friendly Connectivity Solutions
In recent years, the importance and need for broadband and high-speed connectivity has steadily increased. The Covid-19 pandemic has even accelerated this process towards a more connected society. However, this applies mainly to cities and metropolitan areas. In Europe, 13% of the population still lacks connectivity in any form. This mainly affects rural regions. Due to the lower commercial attractiveness, solutions prove to be compareably more difficult.
COMMECT aims to bridge this gap by providing quality, reliability and security in terms of digital access for rural areas. The goal of expanding broadband connectivity in remote areas is achieved by integrating non-terrestrial networks with terrestrial XG mobile networks and low-cost Internet of Things (IoT). Artificial intelligence, edge and network automation will reduce energy consumption at both the connectivity and compute levels.
A participatory approach with end users and IT experts working together on development challenges will be key to digitizing the sector. In doing so, COMMECT will build intensive exchange of best practices and technical knowledge among agroforestry value chain actors.
Five Living Labs (model regions) will be established inside and outside Europe, where "problems" and "benefits" of connectivity will be derived from different perspectives for end users.
The "Living Lab Luxembourg", which is also the focus of IBLA's work, deals with the digitalization of Luxembourg's viticulture. At the beginning, the needs of the stakeholders (winegrowers) for digital area information for the management in the areas of irrigation, fertilization and plant protection, among others, are determined in workshops. On this basis, relevant data will be made available to the stakeholders for their cultivation decisions, as well as decision-support systems will be made usable. Demonstration events will be held to eventually improve awareness and acceptance of digital technologies in viticulture.
COMMECT aims to bridge this gap by providing quality, reliability and security in terms of digital access for rural areas. The goal of expanding broadband connectivity in remote areas is achieved by integrating non-terrestrial networks with terrestrial XG mobile networks and low-cost Internet of Things (IoT). Artificial intelligence, edge and network automation will reduce energy consumption at both the connectivity and compute levels.
A participatory approach with end users and IT experts working together on development challenges will be key to digitizing the sector. In doing so, COMMECT will build intensive exchange of best practices and technical knowledge among agroforestry value chain actors.
Five Living Labs (model regions) will be established inside and outside Europe, where "problems" and "benefits" of connectivity will be derived from different perspectives for end users.
The "Living Lab Luxembourg", which is also the focus of IBLA's work, deals with the digitalization of Luxembourg's viticulture. At the beginning, the needs of the stakeholders (winegrowers) for digital area information for the management in the areas of irrigation, fertilization and plant protection, among others, are determined in workshops. On this basis, relevant data will be made available to the stakeholders for their cultivation decisions, as well as decision-support systems will be made usable. Demonstration events will be held to eventually improve awareness and acceptance of digital technologies in viticulture.
2022-2025
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement no. 101060881.
monesca
Development of a semi-automatic, high-resolution monitoring of ESCA and other dieback symptoms in viticulture
Esca is a vine disease caused by several wood-decaying fungi. Its wide and rapid spread in Luxembourg is favored by climate change. The disease became relevant to the Moselle region in the 1990s and to date there is no effective control treatment. During the MonESCA1 project, it was possible to develop methods for monitoring Esca via drone-based imagery.
The main objective of the MonESCA I project is to monitor and understand the occurrence of disease, and in the continuation MonESCA2 a special emphasis is placed on knowledge transfer into viticultural practice. Therefore, the IBLA organizes several workshops for winegrowers on management practices for ESCA prophylaxis and control (gentle pruning, reset method, vine surgery). The second task of the IBLA in the MonESCA2 project is the development of a decision support system, which generates ESCA-effective measures for the winegrowers at different infestation intensities.
The main objective of the MonESCA I project is to monitor and understand the occurrence of disease, and in the continuation MonESCA2 a special emphasis is placed on knowledge transfer into viticultural practice. Therefore, the IBLA organizes several workshops for winegrowers on management practices for ESCA prophylaxis and control (gentle pruning, reset method, vine surgery). The second task of the IBLA in the MonESCA2 project is the development of a decision support system, which generates ESCA-effective measures for the winegrowers at different infestation intensities.
2022 – 2024
MonESCA2 is funded by the Luxembourg Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development within the framework of EIP - European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability.
water protection
Methods of organic farming for the benefit of drinking water protection
Agriculture has a direct influence on ground- and surface water through soil management and can therefore make a significant contribution to maintaining good drinking water quality. Organic farming is inherently useful to water conservation through management according to natural matter cycles, area-based animal husbandry, diverse crop rotations and the permanent avoidance of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. With the financial support of the drinking water suppliers Ville de Luxembourg (VdL), the Syndicat des Eaux du Sud (SES), the Syndicat des Eaux du Barrage d'Esch-sur-Sûre (SEBES) together with the Landwirtschaftlech Kooperatioun Uerwersauer (LAKU), the Distribution d'Eau des Ardennes (DEA) and the Natur & Geopark Mëllerdall (NGPM), as well as the Administration de la gestion de l'eau (AGE) of the Ministère de l'Environnement, du Climat et du Développement durable, IBLA advises farmers on all aspects of organic farming. In addition, pilot projects and demonstration trials are carried out on topics and techniques relevant to water protection (mechanical weed control, cultivation of legumes, alternative crops to maize) in order to support practitioners in the management of land in water protection areas in the most targeted and farm-oriented way possible. On top of that, IBLA, on behalf of Luxembourgs organic agriculture, actively participates in various committees, working groups and accompanying committees on the topic of (drinking) water protection.
since 2017
ancient wheat
Development of a value chain from the cultivation of ancient wheat varieties in organic farming to organic bread
Ancient wheat varieties are more robust against pests and diseases, tolerate poor soil and a damp, cold climate. Because they require a long dough process, they are not suitable for industrial production and offer artisan bakeries an opportunity to differentiate from standardized, mass-produced goods. Products made from ancient wheat varieties are especially recommended for consumers with wheat intolerance. Due to the anthocyanins it contains, red wheat varieties in particular can reduce the risk of cancer. Due to these positive properties, IBLA set up a value chain from cultivation to marketing of ancient wheat varieties in organic cultivation. As part of the project, IBLA advises producers from seed selection to harvest. At the same time, a value chain is being set up, which connects producers, mills and various processors such as bakeries and breweries. In addition, several ancient wheat varieties are cultivated in a variety test. A marketing concept is being developed for the participating companies, which supports the uniform marketing of products made from ancient wheat.
2021-2023
fact sheets
Preparation of fact sheets for organic farming
In order to provide farmers with the basics of organic farming as well as new scientific and at the same time practice-relevant findings from this field, there is a need for specialized written materials that are specifically targeted at practitioners. Since 2009, IBLA has already participated in the preparation and publication of such information materials in collaboration with European partners such as the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FIBL).
To ensure that the target group of Luxembourg agriculture can be informed in a way that is as tailored as possible to their needs, the IBLA has been drafting relevant technical literature specifically adapted to Luxembourg as a location since 2021. The advantage of such an approach lies in the fact that the knowledge communicated on the basis of existing international technical brochures is both brought together and supplemented by experience gained in-house.
In addition to preparing and publishing fact sheets, IBLA is now also working on variety information sheets containing the results of variety trials in organic farming. These are a supplement to the national list of varieties and contain more detailed information on plant development, which covers the special information needs of organic farms.
To ensure that the target group of Luxembourg agriculture can be informed in a way that is as tailored as possible to their needs, the IBLA has been drafting relevant technical literature specifically adapted to Luxembourg as a location since 2021. The advantage of such an approach lies in the fact that the knowledge communicated on the basis of existing international technical brochures is both brought together and supplemented by experience gained in-house.
In addition to preparing and publishing fact sheets, IBLA is now also working on variety information sheets containing the results of variety trials in organic farming. These are a supplement to the national list of varieties and contain more detailed information on plant development, which covers the special information needs of organic farms.
since 2009
gypsum-lime power
The "Gypsum-Lime Power" project uses an on-farm strip trial at four sites to investigate the effects of fertilizing with lime and granulated natural gypsum/sulfur fertilizer in combination on various parameters. The site in Kalborn and Kahler and the two in Eschdorf are legume field forage and permanent grassland. The parameters collected and to be evaluated are yield, plant constituents, legume content in the crop and various soil parameters.
As this is a demonstration trial, a further objective is the communication of the results as well as the exchange within the network of consultants, scientists and practitioners.
As this is a demonstration trial, a further objective is the communication of the results as well as the exchange within the network of consultants, scientists and practitioners.
March 2022 – December 2022
luxembourg in transition
Spatial vision for the zero-carbon and resilient future of the Luxembourg functional region
Luxembourg in Transition
Spatial vision for the zero-carbon and resilient future of the Luxembourg functional region
In the "Luxembourg in Transition" competition launched by the Spatial Planning Department of the Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning, we developed together with LIST, the University of Luxembourg, the Center for Ecological Learning Luxembourg (CELL) and OLM paysagistes & urbanistes, how Luxembourg has to change spatially by 2050 in order to become climate-neutral, sustainable and resilient.
Not only aspects of spatial planning, mobility or the modeling of greenhouse gas emissions, but also the way of life of the Luxembourgers, their diet and their consumption, as well as questions of governance are part of the dossiers submitted. Of course, agriculture also plays an important role in these considerations. IBLA supports the elaboration of how Luxembourg´s agriculture could develop spatially and in terms of farm management in order to achieve a sustainable, resilient and less CO2-intensive system. In three competition phases, a metric is developed in the first phase, which serves as the basis for evaluating the change. In the second phase, the necessary transformation steps for the CO2-free and sustainable future are worked out on the scale of the cross-border functional region, whereas in the third phase the remaining project teams show the transformation, the necessary steps towards the zero carbon and resilient future using different case studies.
© The pictures are part of the report “LUXEMBOURG 2050: PROSPECTS FOR A REGENERATIVE CITY-LANDSCAPE”, Phase II: https://luxembourgintransition.lu/en/teams/
Spatial vision for the zero-carbon and resilient future of the Luxembourg functional region
In the "Luxembourg in Transition" competition launched by the Spatial Planning Department of the Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning, we developed together with LIST, the University of Luxembourg, the Center for Ecological Learning Luxembourg (CELL) and OLM paysagistes & urbanistes, how Luxembourg has to change spatially by 2050 in order to become climate-neutral, sustainable and resilient.
Not only aspects of spatial planning, mobility or the modeling of greenhouse gas emissions, but also the way of life of the Luxembourgers, their diet and their consumption, as well as questions of governance are part of the dossiers submitted. Of course, agriculture also plays an important role in these considerations. IBLA supports the elaboration of how Luxembourg´s agriculture could develop spatially and in terms of farm management in order to achieve a sustainable, resilient and less CO2-intensive system. In three competition phases, a metric is developed in the first phase, which serves as the basis for evaluating the change. In the second phase, the necessary transformation steps for the CO2-free and sustainable future are worked out on the scale of the cross-border functional region, whereas in the third phase the remaining project teams show the transformation, the necessary steps towards the zero carbon and resilient future using different case studies.
© The pictures are part of the report “LUXEMBOURG 2050: PROSPECTS FOR A REGENERATIVE CITY-LANDSCAPE”, Phase II: https://luxembourgintransition.lu/en/teams/
2022
soya made in luxembourg
Optimization of the value chain from the soybean to the egg in Luxembourg and further development of soybean cultivation in Luxembourg
IBLA advisors have been assisting farmers in Luxembourg with soybean cultivation since 2018. After the first cultivation experiences, the joint project "Soya made in Luxembourg" was set up, which contributes to the implementation strategy of the national soybean cultivation. Initiated by the organic egg marketer BIO-OVO S.A., it aims to support farmers in cultivation and subsequent marketing and processing, and to use the processed soya in return as domestic laying hen feed on the farm. The key factor is the high annual import numbers in Luxembourg for livestock with currently 27,500 t of soybean extraction meal (Zimmer, et al. 2020). Luxembourg is 100% dependent on soybean imports, most of which originate from North and South America and thus come with social and environmental problems. Soya is difficult to substitute in the feeding of monogastrics such as pigs or poultry due to its high biological value, a.G. the high protein content and the essential sulfur-containing amino acids. In ruminant feeding (dairy cattle and suckler cows), a demand-oriented feeding without soybean, instead with optimal grassland and field fodder use, is quite possible. Possibilities to reduce the soya import are therefore on the one hand the minimization in feeding, mainly in cattle husbandry, and on the other hand the national cultivation of soybeans. This nationally produced soy should be used exclusively for the feeding of monogastric animals.
The support of the soybean growers by IBLA includes the site selection, the soil preparation, the accompaniment before and during the sowing, the mechanical weed control as well as the harvest and the organization of the delivery to the feed producer SCAR scrl in Belgium, which takes over the further processing in the feed rations for the BIO-OVO laying hens. For the mechanical weed control, the agricultural machinery dealer Wolff-Weyland S.A. supports the farmers by providing the necessary sowing and hoeing equipment.
The aim of the project is to further develop and economically optimize soybean cultivation and the soybean value chain by providing cost-effective but competent advice for the farmer from sowing to harvesting, which will bear fruit in independent cultivation in the long term. In addition, the process of further processing of soybeans is optimized logistically and economically to promote national soybean production and increase protein self-sufficiency.
The support of the soybean growers by IBLA includes the site selection, the soil preparation, the accompaniment before and during the sowing, the mechanical weed control as well as the harvest and the organization of the delivery to the feed producer SCAR scrl in Belgium, which takes over the further processing in the feed rations for the BIO-OVO laying hens. For the mechanical weed control, the agricultural machinery dealer Wolff-Weyland S.A. supports the farmers by providing the necessary sowing and hoeing equipment.
The aim of the project is to further develop and economically optimize soybean cultivation and the soybean value chain by providing cost-effective but competent advice for the farmer from sowing to harvesting, which will bear fruit in independent cultivation in the long term. In addition, the process of further processing of soybeans is optimized logistically and economically to promote national soybean production and increase protein self-sufficiency.
Since 2018
As part of the Organic Action Plan, the project has received financial support from the Ministère de l'Agriculture, de la Viticulture et du Développement rural since 2020.
fabulous farmers
The European INTERREG project supports farmers in the practical implementation of agro-ecological farming methods to reduce their dependence on external inputs such as mineral fertilizers and pesticides. To this end, farmers are encouraged to implement methods and measures on their farms that improve Functional Agro-Biodiversity (FAB) and promote, among other things, pollination, optimise the natural regulation of harmful organisms by promoting natural counterparts and improve soil and water quality on agricultural land. A network of pilot farms with a "lighthouse effect" serves to disseminate knowledge in the context of "FAB-Farming" within agriculture and also in society and politics. For this purpose, in 12 pilot regions and five countries (BE, NL, LUX, FR and UK), there is a cooperation with other stakeholders such as landowners and municipalities, with the aim of creating an integrated FAB landscape integration plan. In addition, local society is involved through both practical and entertaining activities and the use of "citizen-science tools".
2019 - 2023
méi weed
Pasture optimization by adapting pasture management to pedoclimatic conditions
Grazing is economically profitable for the farmer if the use of the pasture grass is high. However, to achieve this goal, it is necessary to correctly estimate the amount of grass available on the pasture plots in order to prevent overstory pasture grass and thus pasture grass losses.
In this project, a prediction model of daily grass increment is adapted to Luxembourg pedoclimatic conditions. The forecasts will allow for predictive pasture planning and will help in the future with regular adjustments of grazing areas, feeding of roughage and/or concentrates to grazing animals, etc.
Five pasture-based dairy farms are participating in the project. These pilot farms are located in different pedoclimatic zones throughout Luxembourg. The pilot farms will be intensively accompanied in their pasture management for the whole duration of the project. In this way, the practical benefits of the grass growth model will be implemented on the farms.
In parallel, a survey of consumers will be conducted to determine their added value in pasture management and its influence on their purchasing behavior. Furthermore, a sustainability analysis with the SMART (Sustainability Monitoring and Assessment RouTine)- Farm Tool will be carried out on the pilot farms at the beginning and end of the project in order to develop farm-specific improvement approaches and recommendations and to monitor the development of the farms.
In this project, a prediction model of daily grass increment is adapted to Luxembourg pedoclimatic conditions. The forecasts will allow for predictive pasture planning and will help in the future with regular adjustments of grazing areas, feeding of roughage and/or concentrates to grazing animals, etc.
Five pasture-based dairy farms are participating in the project. These pilot farms are located in different pedoclimatic zones throughout Luxembourg. The pilot farms will be intensively accompanied in their pasture management for the whole duration of the project. In this way, the practical benefits of the grass growth model will be implemented on the farms.
In parallel, a survey of consumers will be conducted to determine their added value in pasture management and its influence on their purchasing behavior. Furthermore, a sustainability analysis with the SMART (Sustainability Monitoring and Assessment RouTine)- Farm Tool will be carried out on the pilot farms at the beginning and end of the project in order to develop farm-specific improvement approaches and recommendations and to monitor the development of the farms.
2020 - 2023
Pilot farms: Thielen, Stockem; Thiry, Schouweiler, Weirich, Gostingen; Elsen, Boeuvange-sur-Attert; Vassen, Weiler
simba
Simulating economic and environmental impacts of dairy cattle management using Agent Based Models
The management of a dairy farm decides significantly on its economic success and ecological impact. The simulation of the impact of management decisions was identified as an important challenge when modeling agricultural systems; so-called agent-based models (ABM) are used. The project aims to develop a decision support system (DSS) based on an LCA (life cycle assessment)-ABM-coupled simulator. This way, the economic and environmental effects of different herd management strategies can be tested. For the design and validation of LCA-ABM, phenotypes are collected in more than 320 dairy farms in Wallonia and Luxembourg (e.g. animal characteristics, milk composition and yield, feeding and farm-specific economic data) or on an individual animal basis using milk spectra in the mid-infrared range (body weight, methane emissions). Further phenotypes are predicted in this project from easily collected parameters using machine learning algorithms. These relate both to the behavior of the farmers and to the pasture methodology. Phenotypes, in connection with standard literature equations from the field of life cycle assessments, enable to calculate the environmental impact of individual cows with a higher temporal resolution than with the existing life cycle assessments. Finally, the robustness of the assumptions behind the LCA-ABM-based decision tool is assessed on the basis of detailed economic, feed and production data, which are collected from ten pilot farms in Luxembourg.
2019 - 05.2023
Supported by the Fond National de la Recherche Luxembourg“INTER/FNR/18/12987586“
i2connect
Connecting advisors to boost interactive innovation in agriculture & forestry
To strengthen the skills, competencies and attitudes of advisors to support interactive innovation, by: identifying and sharing best practices, developing tools and methods, training, and organizing peer to peer learning & networking.
To enhance and profile the role of advisors in interactive innovation processes, at different scales: by a better understanding of the AKIS at country level, by identifying providers of advisory services across Europe, by creating an enabling environment within advisory services, by better connecting and embedding advisory services within the AKIS and by appropriate public policies.
To create a social support network and a networking culture among advisors facilitating innovative innovation processes. In particular emphasis will be given to ensure that advisors in Central and Eastern European countries make use of the opportunities being created in the project.
To enhance and profile the role of advisors in interactive innovation processes, at different scales: by a better understanding of the AKIS at country level, by identifying providers of advisory services across Europe, by creating an enabling environment within advisory services, by better connecting and embedding advisory services within the AKIS and by appropriate public policies.
To create a social support network and a networking culture among advisors facilitating innovative innovation processes. In particular emphasis will be given to ensure that advisors in Central and Eastern European countries make use of the opportunities being created in the project.
2019-2024
This project has received funding from the European union horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
2000 m² for our food
Project to promote a sustainable agricultural and food culture
To feed themselves, the Luxembourg population uses on average about 3700 m². However, only 2000 m² per capita are available to the inhabitants of Luxembourg for the production of food. This area is divided into 50% grassland and 50% arable land. The arable land can be used to grow food for direct human consumption (e.g. potatoes or vegetables). With these products, a healthy, seasonally varied diet is possible, while fodder for the production of animal food can also be grown. The available 1000 m² of grassland are used for keeping cattle, because only they can make the best use of the grass. At the "Haus vun der Natur" this is illustrated on a demonstration area of 2000 m² and made accessible to the public. Here, regional crops are cultivated in organic farming methods in the proportions of land that could represent a possible healthy diet for the population of Luxembourg. On the project area, possibilities of an environmentally friendly diet are shown and the amount of climate-damaging greenhouse gases associated with the cultivation is presented. We welcome you at the "Haus vun der Natur", just contact us!
2018-2022
susteatable
Integrated analysis of dietary patterns and agricultural practices for sustainable food systems in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is currently facing many environmental problems. The agriculture sector is as much a victim as also a driver of these problems, and changes in the farming practices are needed in order to face them and ensure food security for future generations. Apart from production practices, the sustainability of the food and agriculture sector is also influenced by consumers’ food choices. The aim of this project is therefore a) to assess holistically the current sustainability level of the Luxembourgish agriculture sector, b) to identify necessary changes to dietary patterns and production practices, and c) to develop differentiated strategies for the development of sustainable food systems in Luxembourg. The project will assess the sustainability of the Luxembourgish food system on two levels: the farm-level and the food system-level. Together, the results from these two levels of sustainability assessments will be synthesised and used to formulate target-group specific recommendations for the development of sustainable food systems.
2018 - 2024
Apart from financial support from the "Ministère du Déveleoppement Durable et des Infrastructures" and from the "Oeuvre National de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte" and sponsoring from BIOGROS S.A. and OIKOPOLIS S.A., this project is also supported through private donations.
variety trials
in organic agriculture in Luxembourg
The aim of the variety trials is to give Luxembourgish organic farmers meaningful recommendations for the variety selection. For this purpose, winter wheat cultivation trials in organic farming were implemented by IBLA in cooperation with the Lycée Technique Agricole (LTA) in the season 2009/10. In recent years, further crops have been added to the variety trials. On the basis of these trials, a list of varieties is issued each year by the National Variety Commission as an aid for the selection of varieties for the farmers.
• Winter cereal variety trials since 2009
• Summer cereal variety trials in 2014-2016, and again since 2019
• Soybean variety trials in 2014, and again since 2018
• Clover grass mixture variety trials in 2013-2015 and again since 2020
• Pea and faba bean variety trials since 2016
• Potato variety trials since 2016
• Maize variety trials since 2020
• Summer cereal variety trials in 2014-2016, and again since 2019
• Soybean variety trials in 2014, and again since 2018
• Clover grass mixture variety trials in 2013-2015 and again since 2020
• Pea and faba bean variety trials since 2016
• Potato variety trials since 2016
• Maize variety trials since 2020