ForwardFarming: Demonstrating Sustainable Agriculture in Practice
Bayer ForwardFarming is a knowledge platform that demonstrates sustainable agriculture in practice.
In partnership with independent farmers, the initiative creates opportunities for demonstration, dialogue and collaboration on farms around the world. Tailored solutions, proactive stewardship measures, and partnerships are implemented to show how modern agriculture can go hand in hand with environmental and social responsibility.
Bayer ForwardFarming – Demonstrating Sustainable Agriculture in Practice
1:50 min
What is a Bayer ForwardFarm?
ForwardFarms are independent farms that are representative of the region in which they are located. The farmers proactively seek improvements in sustainable agriculture practices. The farms serve as a hub for exchange of ideas and insights that can be implemented locally, and globally.
These farms benefit from partnerships with both the public and private sector to support their business, produce high-quality food, feed, and renewable raw materials, while at the same time preserving farmland and natural resources such as water, soil and biodiversity.
Explore the Bayer ForwardFarming network below to learn more!
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sustainable farming. Together with independent farmers, Bayer ForwardFarming demonstrates the importance of seeds and traits, crop protection, digital tools and related services to increase yield by making the best use of all resources, while preserving the environment.
Seeds & Traits
Selection of high-quality, certified seeds is essential for a good yield. Treatments help protect seeds against diseases and pests. SeedGrowth™ is an example of an integrated system – providing products, coatings, equipment and services – that encourages optimal seed development through on-seed applications. Learn more here.
Crop Protection Products
Chemical and biological crop protection products combine to protect against weeds, pests and diseases. Decision support tools as mentioned above help to optimize the timing of applications and help apply only as much as is truly needed.
Digital Tools & Services
From advanced weather monitoring to satellite remote sensing, digital technology enables farmers to take advantage of the data at their fingertips.
Show more
Proactive Stewardship
ForwardFarming promotes and demonstrates proactive stewardship to protect human health and preserve the environment. Examples include addressing the safe and responsible use of crop protection products, preserving soil, biodiversity and water, as well as offering training in all of these areas.
Safe Use of Crop Protection Products
Ensuring the responsible handling and application of products is an essential part of farming safety. ForwardFarming serves as a demonstration and knowledge exchange platform for farmers and other stakeholders to share, learn and adopt best practices to keep themselves safe and continue to produce healthy food.
For farmer support, Bayer provides an online tool called BAYER DRESSCODE with information about personal protection. Bayer has also developed a new closed system device called easyFlow®. This device allows operators to measure and translocate crop protection products without being exposed to them.
Enhancement of Natural Habitat
On each farm, coexistence with the natural surroundings is important not only for the environment, but for the health of the crops. Depending on the local habitat and species, farms implement diverse features including:
Mixed plant hedges act as a windshield for fruit crops and help prevent spray drift.
Flowering strips and mixed hedges ensure that bees, wild pollinators and other beneficial insects have food and shelter throughout the year when active.
Nesting boxes are provided for small birds and resting places for predatory birds.
Insect hotels provide habitat and encourage activity, especially by wild pollinators.
Open plots allow skylarks to land and build their nests in the surrounding fields.
Water Protection and Conservation
Water is one of our most valuable resources. Regardless of the activity, using and preserving water in a responsible manner is in the farmer’s and the environment’s best interest.
One example is the Phytobac™ system used on Bayer ForwardFarms to ensure safe disposal and cleaning of wastewater. Residue water collected from a designated cleaning area is distributed slowly over a basin filled with a soil and straw mixture. Microorganisms in the soil remove chemical residue, and the clean water evaporates. Learn more about this technology here.
Show more
Partnerships
Bayer ForwardFarming partners with food and value chain participants, research centers and universities, and industry leaders to create space for dialogue and demonstration – connecting farmers with the communities around them and beyond.
Just a few examples of partnerships established by current ForwardFarms include:
University of Ghent (Belgium)
National Corn Growers Association Soil Health Partnership (USA)
Hof ten Bosch
Hof ten Bosch, located in Huldenberg region near Brussels, Belgium, farms potatoes, wheat, sugar beet, corn, apples and pears on 148 hectares.
Selection of high quality
seeds adapted to the geographic and climatic conditions of the region to ensure quality yields.
2
Fertilization assuring quality harvest
Conducting regular soil
analysis to optimize organic and mineral fertilization, thereby preserving soil fertility for
optimal productivity.
3
Weather monitoring
Up-to-date weather
monitoring
and prognostics not only allow the optimization of many farming tasks, but also support
monitoring
of disease and insect pests to optimize control.
4
Weed, disease and insect pest monitoring
Regular scouting
activities
to
monitor weed, disease and insect pest pressure support a comprehensive crop care and control
program.
5
Precision farming
Modern machinery and
information from digital farming equipment allow improved resource management, on-farm
decision-making and execution.
6
Integrated crop protection solutions
Integrating agronomic
techniques with chemical and biological protection products allows production of healthy grains
which benefit both consumer and the environment.
7
Operator safety
Maximizing user safety in
all
crop protection tasks through personal protective equipment and training.
8
Water protection
Water used to clean
application equipment is collected and crop protection residues are broken down naturally to
avoid
runoff into the environment. Learn more about the micro-organisms at work in the Phtobac® system
here.
9
Bee hotel and supporting biodiversity
The installation of bee
hotels
and planting of flower strips improve the habitat for feeding and proliferation of pollinators
and
other beneficial organisms.
10
Training
Education and training are
fundamental in any profession. “I Apply Responsibly” is a training program that focuses on the
importance of appropriate use of crop protection products.
11
Cooperation & dialogue
Advancing sustainable
agriculture is not a challenge for a single group, but for all those who make up the sector. The
farmer, and Bayer, regularly seek opportunities for cooperation and dialogue.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Hollabrunn Agricultural College
Austria
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1
Seeds
High quality, certified seed provides the basis for good yields.
2
Crop protection
The combination of chemical and biological crop protec-tion products, as well as biotechnical
measures in an integrated crop protection program, allow for high-quality, sustainable yields.
3
Digital solutions
support the farmer in his or her decisions. Crop protec-tion applications are optimized, and the
environment is preserved.
4
easyFlow M
protects the farmer and preserves the environment. With this closed transfer system, crop
protection
products are safely transferred.
5
Safe storage
Crop protection products are safely stored in a suitable warehouse and are available when
needed.
6
Flower strips
Annual and perennial flower strips in strategically favorable locations protect native flora as
well
as birds, beetles and earthworms.
7
Phytobac®
System in which microorganisms degrade crop protection product residues in order to protect
water.
8
Skylark plots
Small open plots in grain fields help threatened skylarks to land and nest safely.
9
Insect hotels
Inside this breeding aid, wild bees and other pollinators enjoy protection from predators and
weather. The insect hotel was built by students.
10
Rock piles and beetle bank
The loose soil of a beetle bank provides an ideal habitat for beetle species that build their
nests
below the earth’s surface. Lizards and slowworms can find an airy and warm shelter inside a rock
pile.
11
Preventing erosion from wind and water
In addition to the implementation of erosion prevention projects for tillage and greening
systems,
wind protection hedges are installed to prevent wind erosion and serve as a shelter or food
source
for wild animals, insects and birds.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Hof ten Bosch
Belgium
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Seeds
High-quality, certified
seeds
are the basis for healthy and productive crops and support Integrated Pest Management practices.
2
Crop protection
Chemical and biological
crop
protection products, as well as mechanical measures, are combined for sustainable production of
healthy food.
3
Bayer SeedGrowth®
The fully integrated and
comprehensive system for onseed applications helps seeds to thrive and boosts yields.
4
Precision farming
Precise application using
GPS
and Variable Rate Application (VRA) ensures sustainable and efficient use of crop protection
products.
5
Decision support
tools
Information regarding
weather
and soil conditions, as well as pest and disease warnings, are used to optimize the timing of
crop
protection product application.
6
Soil erosion
Buffer strips and micro
dams
in potatoes prevent soil erosion and washing off of fertilizers and crop protection products to
the
surface water.
7
Functional
biodiversity
Biodiversity is stimulated
with flower strips at the field margins. The creation of a bee friendly garden and nesting
places
for wild bees and birds enhances pollination and natural pest control.
8
easyFlow®
Thanks to the development
of
the closed filling system easyFlow® the exposure of users and the environment is limited to an
absolute minimum.
9
Phytobac®
An adapted farmyard
infrastructure with a special filling and rinsing place and a Phytobac® prevents run-off into
the
environment.
10
Personal protection
equipment
Operator safety can be
ensured
by using correct personal protective clothing (dresscode.bayer.com).
11
Bee care
Supporting bee health
through
pest and varroa control, pollen and nectar offerings as well as the correct use of crop
protection
products.
12
Partnerships
Bayer ForwardFarming
brings
together the competencies of mutually beneficial partnerships into a single holistic system.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Nossa Senhora Aparecida Farm
Brazil
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1
Seeds
Creating value by using
high-quality seeds and technologies that support the farmer to sustainably increase productivity
and
profitability.
2
Soil fertility
Improving soil fertility
by
optimizing crop rotation practices to achieve high, sustainable productivity.
3
Integrated weed management
Identification and mapping
of
weeds and implementation of integrated weed management programs to limit proliferation.
4
Integrated disease & pest management
Implementation of
techniques
to monitor disease and pest infestation and make cropping recommendations to optimize the
sustainable use of crop protection products.
5
Nematode monitoring and control
Mapping of nematode
infestation and crop damage to inform recommendation of integrated chemical and biological
control
to avoid productivity loss.
6
Precision agriculture
Use of machines and tools
to
optimize farming tasks and farming inputs.
7
Erosion control
Drainage basins along the
road
are used to capture water run-off to fill the groundwater aquifer, preventing erosion and
avoiding
pollution of lakes and reservoirs with eroded soil.
8
Good agricultural practice
Trainings aim to help the
farmer apply agricultural products in a responsible manner, protecting people, preserving the
environment and improving crop yield.
9
Valore program
Farm certification program
specifying production processes that follow legislation to ensure production of safe food,
adding
value to the value chain and competitiveness of the Brazilian farmer.
10
Pollinator care
Preservation of
pollinators
on
the farm with conservation measures and harmonic coexistence between farming and beekeeping.
11
Partnerships
Bayer ForwardFarming
combines
knowledge, experience, skills and new technologies with partners to grow the farming business
successfully and sustainably.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
La Hornilla - Fundo Santa Inés
Chile
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Integrated crop protection solutions
Integrating phytosanitary
products in a sustainable way with modern agricultural techniques.
2
Insect pest monitoring
Continuous pest monitoring
allows accurate applications and only when necessary.
3
Weed monitoring
Permanent resistance
monitoring of weeds, in order to implement control programs to avoid buildup of resistant weeds.
4
Efficiency in agricultural tasks
Platforms to facilitate
and
improve thinning, pruning and harvesting, ensuring greater efficiency and safety in agricultural
tasks.
5
Weather and irrigation monitoring
Real-time information on
weather conditions assists in achieving the correct use of crop protection products and optimal
irrigation.
6
Satellite monitoring
The satellite photographic
spectrophotometric information helps determine orchard health throughout the season.
7
Operator safety
Maximizing user safety
throughout all elements of crop protection with personal protective equipment.
8
Targeted applications
Efficient product
application
with electrostatic machines, which achieve better coverage, use less water, cause less drift and
increase user safety.
9
Water protection
Phytobac®: Sustainable
management of wastewater from cleaning equipment in a closed system that biologically breaks
down
crop protection product residues. Learn more here.
10
Preserving biodiversity
Planting of flower strips
for
feeding and proliferation of pollinators and other beneficial organisims.
11
Healthy hives for pollination
Demonstrating good
hive-management practices for healthy bees, ensuring optimal pollination services to the farm.
12
Partnerships
Bringing together skills
and
expertise to demonstrate successful and modern sustainable farming in a holistic way.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Château Lamothe
France
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Grape variety
Choosing the right grape
variety and rootstock as the basis for the quality of the wine.
2
Targeted weed
control
Herbicides are targeted
via
band application close to the foot of the vines. This leaves vegetation between rows, limiting
run-off and preserving habitat for biodiversity.
3
Disease control -
Mildew and Botrytis
Chemical and biological
crop
protection products are combined to protect the vine from disease and manage resistence.
4
Soil analysis
Regular soil analysis
allows
optimal organic and mineral fertilization to preserve soil characteristics.
5
Decision support
systems
Weather and mildew
prediction
models ensure the best-possible application timing.
6
Application
technology
Jointly with our partner
Berthoud, tests are carried out, the equipment is callibrated correctly and the application
optimized.
7
Beekeeping
partnership
The beekeeper and the
farmer
have signed a Charter of Commitment for Good Agricultural and Beekeeping Pratices for the hives
that
are welcomed each spring.
8
Biodiversity
Implementing a variety of
supporting measures to protect flora, birds, beetles and earthworms.
9
Bee hotel
Wild bees and other
pollinators enjoy this safe haven for nesting and protection from bad weather.
10
Human protection
Operator protection is
continuously optimized through risk assessment, training and new infrastructure.
11
Phytobac®
The bioremediation system
that
ensures optimal on-farm wastewater management.
12
Partnerships
Bayer ForwardFarming
unites
the skills and expertise of different partners for continuous improvement.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Earl des Bruyères
France
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Weather monitoring
Assessing leaf moisture,
relative humidity, temperature, and windspeed to optimize farm management.
2
Precision farming
Improving efficiency of
applications by using cutting-edge sprayers with GPS and low-drift nozzles.
3
Irrigation
management
Optimizing irrigation by
using
control tools such as tensiometricprobes.
4
Fertilization
management
Fulfilling the nutrient
needs
of crops through fertilizer management software such as Farmstar® and Airinov's drone.
5
Soil analysis
Conducting regular soil
analysis to optimize organic and mineral fertilization, thereby preserving soil characteristics.
6
Sowing practices
Implementing best
practices
in
sowing to minimize the risk of wildlife exposure to treated seeds.
7
Protecting
pollinators
Welcoming bee hives each
Spring and abiding by a charter of commitment for good agricultural and bee-keeping practices.
8
Biodiversity
Taking inventory of and
monitoring wildlife, such as birds, earthworms and beneficial insects, and taking measures to
protect biodiversity, including planting hedges.
9
Protected species
Respecting good
agricultural
practices that protect the local bird species, Oedicnème Criard, nesting in the farm's corn.
10
User safety
Partnering with Bayer to
optimize personal protective clothing during crop protection product application and storage to
maximize safety and comfort.
11
Waste-water
management
Designing a filling and
rinsing station as well as installing the Phytobac® bioremediation system that ensures optimal
on-farm wastewater management.
12
Partnerships
Bringing together experts
and
community members to foster dialogue on modern, sustainable farming.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Ferme de Bulas
France
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1
Precision farming
GPS-guided work tasks
(sowing, spraying, fertilizing and harvesting) to optimize fuel and input use.
2
Rational crop
protection
applications
In cereals, fungicide
applications are made with the help of an advisor supported by a decision-making tool called
Positive®.
3
Innovative
application
techniques
Sprayers equipped with
drift
control and automatic boom section control.
4
Fertilization
management
Optimized nitrogen
application taking into account evaluations made with the FARMSTAR® decision support tool
provided
by the Axereal cooperative.
5
Integrated weed
management
Adjusted weed management
program and extended crop rotation (integration of pea protein) in the areas with resistant
black-grass.
6
Good sowing
practices
Implementing measures to
limit the presence of grain on the soil surface which could be eaten by wild animals when
sowing.
7
Farming and
beekeeping
The farmer and beekeeper
have signed an apiculture and agriculture best practices charter to protect bees on the farm.
8
Biodiversity
Monitoring of biodiversity
such as flora, birds, worms, pollinators, beetles etc. Hedges and strips of corn have been
integrated into fields to benefit wildlife.
9
Safe product storage
and
handling
Modernization of the
product
storage and sprayer filling area to improve working conditions and safety for workers and the
environment.
10
Phytobac®
The bioremediation system
ensures optimal on-farm wastewater management.
11
Partnerships
Bayer ForwardFarming
builds
on existing partnerships to leverage expertise and skills.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
AGRO-FARM Nauen GmbH
Germany
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Seeds
High-quality, certified
seeds
are the basis for a high yield.
2
Crop protection
Combined use of chemical
and
biological crop protection products to promote sustainable production.
3
Digital farming
Digital measures support
efficient use of crop protection products depending on each field's needs.
4
easyFlow®
Implementation of a closed
transfer system for liquid crop protection products that prevents spills for easier filling and
cleaning.
5
DroplegUL
A spray nozzle design that
minimizes the effect of crop protection practices on the surrounding environment.
6
Flowering areas
Planting flowers and other
beneficial plants in strategic locations to protect flora, birds, beetles, and earthworms.
7
Phytobac®
The bioremediation system
that
ensures optimal on-farm wastewater management.
8
Skylark plots
Small, non-cropped areas
serve
as „landing areas“ for skylarks, supporting nest-building for the beneficial bird
species.
9
Bee hotel
Wild bees and other
pollinators enjoy a safe haven for nesting and protection from bad weather.
10
Nesting aids for
birds
Secure places for birds
that
nest in caves or cavities ensure safe conditions to rear their young.
11
Renewable energy
Wind turbines, solar
panels,
and a biogas plant offer an alternative income while using natural resources in a sustainable
manner.
12
Partnerships
Bayer ForwardFarming
brings
together competencies of mutually beneficial partnerships to demonstrate successful and modern
sustainable agriculture.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Damianshof
Germany
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Seeds
High-quality, certified
seeds
are the basis for good yields.
2
Bayer SeedGrowth™
A holistic approach helps farmers make full use of the potential of their seed.
3
Plant protection
Chemical crop protection products guarantee the health of crops and protect plants from diseases and pest infestation.
4
Weather station
Continuous monitoring and documentation of weather data, such as temperature, precipitation, and leaf wetness, optimize targeted plant protection measures.
5
Septoria timer
Timely Septoria monitoring of crops makes it possible to determine the right moment to apply fungicides.
6
Digital farming
Digital solutions support the farmer in decision-making. Plant protection applications are optimized, and the environment is preserved.
7
Protection from soil erosion
New techniques, such as cross-dyke ridging in the cultivation of potatoes, protect the topsoil and reduce the danger of flooding.
8
Phytobac®
Eliminates the remains of crop protection products in water used for cleaning equipment, to prevent contaminating runoff.
9
Flower strips
Annual and perennial flower strips in strategically favorable locations protect the flora and fauna, including birds, beetles and earthworms.
10
Bee hotel
Wild bees and other pollinators enjoy protection from predators and bad weather in this nesting aid.
11
Skylark plots
Small untilled patches in cereal fields help the endangered skylark land safely and build nests.
12
Partnerships
The aim is to master the challenges of sustainable agriculture in collaboration with most diverse players.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Azienda Agricola Moranda
Italy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Integrated crop
protection solutions
Integrating chemical and
biological crop protection products in a sustainable manner with modern farming techniques to
protect the vineyards from adversity.
2
Fungal disease
monitoring
Advance knowledge of
fungal
disease development in the grapevines through a decision support system ensures appropriate and
timely intervention.
3
Insect pest
monitoring
Smart digital traps
provide
real-time data on the population dynamics of insects harmful to the vines and enable
intervention
only when needed.
4
Weather monitoring
A weather station supplies
real-time information on changes in weather and soil moisture enabling optimal irrigation and
correct crop protection product use.
5
Operator safety
Maximizing user safety
throughout all stages of crop production, product application and storage with personal
protective
equipment and services.
6
Safe transfer of
crop
protection products
Tools such as easyFlow™,
a closed-transfer system, ensure operational efficiency and safety for the operator and the
environment.
7
Application of crop
protection products
Effective treatment of
crops
through proper distribution of crop protection products on the plant.
8
Biodegradation of
crop
protection products
To avoid run-off of crop
protection into the environment, tools like the Phytobac® system collect water used
for cleaning equipment and break down residues naturally by micro-organisms.
9
Preserving
biodiversity
Fostering the coexistence
of
different species of animals and plants through the implementation of activities aimed at
preserving
natural habitat.
10
Biodiversity
monitoring
Regular monitoring of
biodiversity status on the farm through the Biodiversity Friend® certification.
11
Protecting bees
Encouraging the presence
of
bees on the farm by taking measures that foster food availability and living space.
12
Partnerships
Bringing together the
skillsets and expertise to demonstrate successful and modern sustainable farming.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Het Groene Hart
The Netherlands
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Seeds
Good and certified seed is
essential for a good yield.
2
Bayer SeedGrowth®
Integrated program aimed
at
sustainable seed and planting treatment and application technology.
3
Crop protection
Combined use of chemical
and
biological crop protection products for a sustainable production of healthy food.
4
Precision
agriculture
Optimizing the application
of
crop protection products with regard to time, location and quantity.
5
Decision supporting
systems
Integrated information
about
weather conditions and disease and pest warnings in order to apply crop protection products at
the
optimum time.
6
Biodiversity
The added value of
biodiversity for farmers, the environment and society.
7
Personal protection
Protecting the user of
crop
protection products with technology such as easyFlow®.
8
easyFlow®
Avoiding exposure of the
user
and the environment to concentrated products by using a closed transfer system during the
filling
of
the sprayer.
9
Bee health
Supporting bee health
through
pest control, enhancement of biodiversity and careful use of crop protection products.
10
Farmyard emission
Prevent emission from the
farmyard with techniques like a dedicated cleaning area combined with a Phytobac®.
11
Emission through
runoff
Prevent run off of applied
crop protection products and fertilizers to surface water by plot design and special cultivation
techniques.
12
Partnerships
Bayer ForwardFarming is a
platform where partners work together to optimize agricultural practices.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Zachtfruit Schalkwijk B.V.
The Netherlands
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
Planting material
Van Garderen collaborates with The Greenery to develop new plant varieties, with a significant
focus
on varietal purity and resistance to pests and diseases.
2
Crop protection
Biological, chemical and technological crop protection measures are combined to form an
integrated
cultivation system.
3
Decision support systems
Optimization of crop protection in terms of timing, based on crop growth and external (weather)
conditions.
4
Precision technology
Optimization of crop protection application in terms of placement and quantity, based on soil
and
crop sensor data.
5
Storage
Storage is managed to optimize energy use and to maintain optimal quality of the berries.
6
Functional biodiversity
The planting of flower strips and a variety of hedges as a bed and breakfast for beneficial
insects
and as natural buffers between the crop and adjacent areas.
7
Apiary
Honeybees for pollinating crops.
8
Insect hotels
Nesting sites for solitary bees to support pollination, and shelters and nesting sites for
beneficial insects such as earwigs and ladybugs.
9
easyFlow®
A closed transfer system to prevent possible contact with crop protection products during
filling.
10
Phytobac®
Optimal yard facility combined with a Phytobac® for the biodegradation of effluent.
11
Personal protection
To ensure the safety of crop protection product operators.
12
Partnerships
In addition to the three main partners, there are cooperations with various companies and
institutes.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Harborview Farms
USA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1
Seeds
Use of high quality seed
with
appropriate traits and seed treatments to combat pests and disease and ensure healthy plant
growth
and optimum yield.
2
Soil health
No-till farming is used in
conjunction with other conservation practices to increase water infiltration, sequester carbon,
and
maintain organic matter for soil fertility.
3
Cover crops
Cover crops are used to
improve soil health, prevent erosion, reduce pollution and improve water quality in the
surrounding
areas.
4
Precision agriculture
GPS-guided technology
optimizes the use of fuel and inputs, while reducing run times and waste, to promote healthier
surroundings.
5
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Environmentally-sensitive
and
economically-viable approach to the management of insects, weeds, diseases and nematodes.
6
Renewable resources
A solar site powers all of
the
on-farm facilities, including an irrigation pivot and the entire grain system, reducing the
farm’s
dependency on non-renewable fuels.
7
Energy efficient systems
State-of-the-art grain
dryers
are solar-powered and designed to be energy efficient.
8
Product storage & handling
Proper product storage and
disposal, label adherence and the use of personal protective equipment are critical to the
farm’s
proactive stewardship efforts.
9
Environmental conservation
Buffer zones and dedicated
conservation areas ensure preservation of the surrounding Chesapeake Bay.
10
Habitat enhancement
Pollinator strips,
milkweed
preservation and cover crops provide critical forage and habitat for wildlife.
11
Collaborations
Leveraging skills and
expertise from the community and organizations across the nation ensures smart farming that is
ecologically aware and sustainable.
i
There is no one size fits
all
solution when it comes to sustainable farming.
Click on the numbers on the farm and find
out
more on specific sustainable agriculture activities.
Independent farm and ForwardFarming partner Hof ten Bosch invites users around the world to virtually tour their sustainable farm
A Sustainable Reality in a Virtual World
Bayer ForwardFarming and Ghent University partnership allows farmers and scientists to put sustainable agricultural innovation into practice.
Moving Farming Forward
