Rural Development Revisited in Cork

Home , Conservation easement, Nature conservation

CountrySide 156 N° 165

Pantone 390 CMYK 24 / 0 / 98 / 8

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016 - BIMONTHLY - EN European Landowners’ Organization Pantone 364 CMYK 73 / 9 / 94 / 39

Rural Development revisited in Cork Phil HOGAN, © European Union, 2016 Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development CountrySide 165 Editorial Thierry de l’ESCAILLE, Secretary General

Now that the European Union has formally commit- Contents ted itself to keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, it is time for us to consider how we can best achieve this monumental task. While we agree that 3 Rural Development revisited in Cork all sectors of our different economies and societies must contribute, it is clear that the European coun- 6 Sustainable futures for Europe’s heritage in tryside has a major role to play, both as a source of cultural landscapes: carbon emissions, but more importantly as the major Applying a landscape approach to land-use carbon offset asset Europe has to offer. science and policy In order to unlock all this potential, it is vital that Milestone reached: Wildlife Estates Label 8 Europe engages much more with the private sector in exceeds 1 million hectares mark order to stimulate conservation actions by all stakeholders. It has never been the case that only the NGO 9 Keep Calm and Let Africa Speak! community can manage land properly. Private actors, 10 Wild flowering landscapes & bee-friendly such as those who have the Wildlife Estate label, farm machinery announced as winners of show that the private sector is more than competi- this year’s European Bee Award tive, especially as they often do not have the same access to state funding. 12 Education, Training & Innovation European Historic Houses annual event To involve the private sector more means that Eu- rope and national governments must seek a better 14 Fish, Mushrooms, and Forestry: YFCS Gen- understanding of their motivations and drivers, not eral Assembly Vienna 2016 lock them out for the sake of an outdated orthodoxy that believes only in the public cause and the public 15 Due to French Overprotection, Chinese Are purse. At the 11th plenary session of our Wildlife Es- Buying Our Farmland tates label in Denmark, we have once again seen the Book extraordinary potential of the private contribution. 2 Semences hors-la-loi. All we need now is the right set of policy solutions in La biodiversité confisquée. order to unlock it.

EU: You cannot stop terrorism by restricting legal gun ownership. You can still sign the online petition

16 Diary dates © J. Nagy CountrySide 165

A. BUCKWELL, C. PIRZIO-BIROLI, F. FISCHLER, T. de L’ESCAILLE and C. BÜREN at the high level workshops © European Union, 2016 Rural Development revisited in Cork

In November 1995 the European Commission decided to host a conference on Rural Development in the Irish city of Cork. This turned out to be an influential event in the development of the CAP. All the main stakeholders with an interest in the European countryside participated and together produced a concise two-page Cork Declaration called “A living countryside”. The Agriculture Commissioner of the day, Franz FISCHLER, stayed in the background at that event, but he carried forward the principal idea in the declaration that sustainable development in Europe’s rural areas should rise in the EU’s priorities. The result was that in his first major reform of the CAP, Agenda 2000, the two-Pillar CAP was born. This galvanised the principle that rural development was a Pillar of the CAP rather than a complicated accompaniment to the primary support regime.

Allan BUCKWELL and David BALDOCK Institute for European Environmental Policy

n subsequent reforms the second Pillar So there were risks in gathering 300 the groups then produced and organised was expanded in resources and meas- stakeholders and experts again in Cork ideas about the policy developments nec- Iures were based on the principles of this September, twenty years later, for essary to realise the full potential of Eu- co-financed, programmed, multi-annual a second Cork Rural Development con- rope’s rural areas. There was a continu- measures regionally tailored by the Mem- ference. The conference was opened by al feedback between the groups and a ber States to the needs of their rural re- Commissioner HOGAN who of course was drafting team led by Heino von MEYER gions. These were precisely the principles on home territory, together with COM (OECD) who gradually worked up a new spelled out in the 10-point declaration of AGRI Chairman Czesław Adam SIEKIER- Cork declaration distilling the output of Cork I. SKI, and the President of the Agriculture the groups. Council Gabriela MATEČNÁ, the Slovak However, in more recent years rural de- Minister of Agriculture and Rural devel- The five page declaration “A Better Life in velopment has not enjoyed so much of opment. None were in a position to make Rural Areas” contained these ten points: the European limelight. Ever since the new announcements about imminent or 2007/8 commodity price spikes atten- desired policy developments. This meant 1 Promoting Rural Prosperity tion, not unnaturally, has tended to focus that the ideas and the impetus had to 2 Strengthening Rural Value Chains 3 on agricultural production, its productiv- come from the participants and a well or- 3 Investing in Rural Viability and Vitality ity and capability of providing for a grow- ganised facilitation team. 4 Preserving the Rural Environment and ing and enriching population. In the 2013 Simplification reform the slow evolution of the CAP to- The action took place in four parallel 5 Managing Natural Resources wards greater resources for Rural Devel- workshops dealing with the themes: 6 Encouraging Climate Action opment was halted. Some actions previ- • Jobs, Growth and Investment in the 7 Boosting Knowledge and Innovation ously considered better suited to Rural agri-food supply chain and the wider 8 Enhancing Rural Governance Development were switched to Pillar 1 rural economy 9 Advancing Policy Delivery (for example greening, help for areas of • Rural environment, climate and water 10 Improving Performance and Accounta- natural constraints and for young farm- • Targeting innovation to farmers’ bility ers), and five Member States choose to needs switch substantial pillar 2 funds back to • Rural viability and vitality This unusually bottom-up and spontane- Pillar 1 direct supports shrinking their Ru- ous approach was appreciated by most of ral Development programmes. These workshops occupied the bulk of the the delegates, especially as there was a conference. The participants, who came concerted effort to harvest the ideas on Meanwhile other preoccupations, such as from all areas of the rural economy, and the various tables, and underlining syn- migration, sluggish economic progress, all parts of the EU, worked together con- ergies rather than conflicts. Lying be- and now Brexit have occupied the Euro- structively. The general framework was hind the Declaration there was a shared pean centre stage. Within the rural policy first to identify the potential opportuni- sense that rural policy needed new vigour world it has been Pillar 1 of the CAP, the ties under each of the four themes. Sec- and a refreshed sense of direction. Oth- crisis in dairy and other markets, safety ond, the work groups considered the driv- erwise there was a danger of it being rel- nets, greening, simplification and concern ing forces acting on these themes and any egated to a lower tier of EU priorities and about the budget that have absorbed the obstacles to their development. In the the budget could decline with it, either in air time and the attention of ministers. third and final sessions of the workshops the course of the next MFF review or sub- CountrySide 165 © European Union, 2016 Union, © European

sequently. In addition, the logic of Cork There was a confident tone in language er rural economy, the better integration 1 was ready to be taken further. Many about improved performance, smart ad- of migrants and wider social inclusion as delegates seemed to agree with Franz ministration rather than mere simplifi- well as shorter supply chains. FISCHLER who, in his remarks in the cation, addressing the climate and en- closing session, argued that rural policy vironmental agenda with more vigour, Solutions were diverse rather than sim- should be the main driver going forward, digitisation and the need for policies to plistic. In his closing remarks, Commis- implicitly incorporating Pillar 1 agricultur- be accountable and fit for purpose. Ru- sioner HOGAN backed the call for the ru- al support as a single element of a wider ral societies are not inherently backward ral proofing of all EU policies. More in- and more strategic frame. and provide much more for society than formation, training, engagement and fa- is generally recognised. While there were cilitation, alongside greater awareness The Declaration itself asserts the case for certainly calls for more and better fo- amongst consumers and others in value adopting the second Pillar approach for cussed support this was accompanied by chains were approaches that cropped up the whole of the CAP. “The architecture demands for rural identity to be celebrat- in nearly every workshop. Administra- of the CAP must be based on a common ed with greater pride and stakeholders to tions are often reluctant to give these 4 strategic and programming framework work together more effectively to secure softer measures much priority, not least that provides for targeting all interven- their place in any re consideration of Euro- because of the challenge of measuring tions to well-defined economic, social and pean priorities. results. However, the Cork discussions environmental objectives” (from Point 8 indicate that it would be most helpful if on governance). At the same time it is clear that the po- this culture could be changed. Land man- tential of rural policies is not always re- agers and small businesses are facing a alised and more value could be added; for transition to a different world with lim- example through the wider application of ited resources to appreciate all the con- performance-related schemes. In sever- sequences, they therefore need support al workshops it was clear that trust had and direction, quite apart from financial been lost in parts of the policy and fund- assistance. ing chains. Administrations have become increasingly concerned about the risk of How far this burst of energy and call for penalties and disallowance where rela- new directions is followed through in tively minor infringements have occurred practice remains to be seen. The Commis- and farmers fear that the details of con- sioner seemed satisfied that the event trol could cramp their options in unneces- was thoroughly worthwhile. We await with interest to see if he directs this sary ways and expose them to penalties mainstreaming of Rural Development

© European Union, 2016 Union, © European as well. Risk-averse policies can take over into the debates surrounding the review in these conditions, conflicting directly of the CAP and its future which will no with the underlying objectives which of- doubt be part of the post-2020 multian- ten require risks to be taken. Reversing nual Financial Framework debates during this trend will not be straightforward but the coming 12 months. the stage is set for more effort to do so. The same is true of work towards a green- DEUTZ-FAHR. TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN PRODUCTIVITY.

Leading tractors, combine harvesters and implements.

Innovative technology, attractive design, comfort and productivity – DEUTZFAHR offers a complete range of tractors from 35 HP to 340 HP, combine harvesters from 250 HP to 395 HP, telehandlers and forage harvesting equipment. Combining this excellent product range with advanced precision farming systems, DEUTZFAHR provides a tailor-made technology solution to allow maximum effi ciency in the fi eld and on the road. All in all DEUTZFAHR is the perfect partner to increase the profi tability of any business. To discover more please contact a DEUTZFAHR dealer or visit deutz-fahr.com.

DEUTZFAHR is a brand of CountrySide 165

T. de l’ESCAILLE, N. PAUWELS, S. J. SCHERR, M. SCHEELE, A. GRADY Sustainable futures for Europe’s heritage in cultural landscapes: Applying a landscape approach to land-use science and policy

The adoption of the European Landscape Convention (ELC) has attracted attention from the sciences, policy makers and the general public but it has not yet managed to effect the formulation of common solutions to the main challenges facing European society today. The HERCULES FP7 project has the importance of applying a holistic, multi-scaled and interdisciplinary approach to effective research and understanding of rural landscapes in Europe.

Julianna NAGY - Project Coordinator, ELO

he next step would be to apply a reviewed how can we apply a landscape ment, the HERCULES team had a slightly ‘landscape approach’ to support approach to land use policies; this session different understanding of the concept. Ttheir long term sustainability, i.e. was headlined by Sara J. SCHERR, Presi- They wished to link cultural landscapes 6 respecting and enabling their inherent dent and CEO of EcoAgriculture Partners. with an evolving and changing percep- dynamics, cultural specificities and mul- tion of space and its management. Thus ti-agency nature. Having a landscape ap- Understanding our surroundings to at the heart of the project’s interest were proach at the centre of policy and gov- make better decisions the questions of how, why and how fast ernance models can be a more effective cultural landscapes change(d). In addi- Since 2000 landscape science has been way of accommodating and managing the tion, partners were interested in review- used increasingly to refer to research that competition and interdependencies for ing more practical initiatives related to natural resources, cultural heritage val- seeks to understand the relationship be- cultural landscape management. ues and ecosystem services among the tween people and their environment, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on land use change and data As a result, HERCULES researchers syn- and among land users. Governance and pertaining to land resources at the land- thesised existing knowledge on drivers, policy need to take into account the so- scape scale. It links natural sciences in patterns and outcomes of persistence and cio-economic factors at work in the land- the form of landscape ecology, human change in Europe’s cultural landscapes scape as well as the biophysical, in addi- sciences through geography and human and performed targeted case studies to tion to the culture(s) of the people living ecology, and humanistic and symbolic ap- develop in-depth insights on dynamics and working within it. proaches to landscape. It seeks to under- and values of cultural landscapes. They stand relevant structures, processes and also created a typology of cultural land- On the 4th of October stakeholders gath- their states and drivers primarily in terms scapes and scaled-up case study insights ered together on the occasion of the proof anthropogenic uses of landscapes. using observations and landscape model- ject’s final conference that comprised of ling; developed visions for re-coupling so- two panel discussions; first on landscape When the idea for the HERCULES project cial and ecological components in cultural science and understanding the dynam- came up in 2012, there was a lot of ambi- landscapes and translated them into poli- ics of cultural landscapes in Europe, ad- guity to what cultural landscapes are. De- cy recommendations. dressed by Guy ROBINSON, Editor of the spite the fact that this concept was main- journal Land Use Policy. The second panel ly linked to heritage, society and environ- Studying landscape and its history is not CountrySide 165

about getting nostalgic about the good The landscape approach offers a way to The ELO is proud to be a partner of the old times. It requires having a clear no- operationalise the cross-goal integration HERCULES project and look forward to tion of what a landscape actually is: Is a that forms the basis of the SDGSs. How- further contribute to the discussion on landscape what we see on topographi- ever, policies need to change to support the future of European landscapes and cal maps and on aerial photographs? Or these efforts on the ground. As well as socio-economic challenges. do we have to be ground-based, to see long-term collaboration among different the landscape and understand how local groups of stakeholders are needed to re- people and tourist construct a landscape alise multiple objectives from the land- for themselves? As part of the project, scape. partners combined both perspectives by complementing a classic map-based Land Distinguished speakers of the Use/Land Cover analysis with oral histo- Farmers, land owners and foresters (and conference were (in order of appearance) ry interviews on landscapes. The aim was many other actors) have shaped land- Tobias PLIENINGER (HERCULES Project to find out how landscapes have changed scapes for many years, if not centuries. Coordinator), Birgit de BOISSEZON (Head and what driving forces were responsible They are also the stewards who will carry of Unit, Sustainable Management of for the changes observed. They did this in landscapes into the future. However, they Natural Resources, DG Research & six study landscapes which have evolved have a different view of both the land- Innovation, European Commission), significantly in the last two centuries, scape and policy approaches that seek to Guy ROBINSON (Editor of the journal Land using the same procedures for the map guide it – they are the ones who will have Use Policy), Matthias BÜRGI analyses and the oral history interviews to live with the decisions, and who are (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, in all locations in order to gain a broader responsible for maintaining and renew- Snow and Landscape Research), understanding. ing the landscape. A landscape approach Peter VERBURG (VU University to policy should therefore first and fore- Amsterdam), Thanasis KIZOS (University In a separate activity they went beyond most be about stakeholder engagement; of the Aegean), Sara J. SCHERR (President asking people how and why landscapes changed by getting at the perception of in order to make successful policy those in and CEO, EcoAgriculture Partners), “landscape values”, in order to increase charge will need the positive attitude of Martin SCHEELE (Head of Unit, the project’s understanding of the inter- those impacted by their decisions. Consistency of rural development, actions between people and the land- DG Agricultural and Rural Development, scape. Sometimes these values are deeply However, we need to be careful that land- European Commission), Natalie PAUWELS rooted in the local history and can be bet- scape-centred policies either replace or (Policy Assistant to the Director-General of ter understood when looking into the past lighten current regulations, and do not DG Environment, European Commission), (e.g. existential values, spiritual mean- form an ‘extra layer’; many land mana- Anne GRADY (Cultural Diversity and ings, and social fulfillment); but values gers are already struggling to keep up with Innovation, DG Education and Culture, are also dynamic and change with society. many forms of regulation and administra- European Commission), tion. Second, landscapes are about mutu- Thierry de l´ESCAILLE (Secretary General, Building coalitions to advance policy al respect. Land managers should have European Landowners’ Organization). Currently, many landscapes are facing respect for their property and take care of Session moderators were Graham many challenges across multiple dimen- the economic and environmental values. FAIRCLOUGH (Landscape Research Group) sions: agricultural production, biodiver- However, those who visit the countryside and Claudia BIELING (University of 7 sity, ecosystems, climate change adapta- should also respect private properties. Hohenheim). tion/mitigation, city-region development, Third, if we are to improve landscapes, water, employment, inclusive economic those who manage the landscape should transformation, etc. must all find a place benefit just as much as those who come in and extract from a shared natural re- to visit it. source base. Current policies are not well- suited to the challenges as they are frag- A landscape approach, especially if we mented, siloed, but the new framework of combine land use with heritage, preser- the SDGs (and converging directions from vation and other aspects, demands that More information on the project CBD, CFS, CCD, UNFCCC, Habitat III, inclu- we need to re-examine the possibility of is available sive green economy) are energising policy payment to land managers for the provi- on the project’s website: innovation towards integrations. sion of public goods. www.hercules-landscapes.eu

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 603447. 1 December 2013 – 30 November 2016 CountrySide 165

Michal PERNICA (Director Colloredo-Mannsfeld spol. s r.o.), Jens RISOMS (CEO of Gisselfeld Kloster), Konstantin KOSTOPOULOS (COO WE Label), Lelio COLLOREDO-MANNSFELD (Colloredo-Mannsfeld spol. s r.o.), Carlos OTERO MUERZA (Chairmen of WE Scientific Committee), Gustav HAGEMANN (Ruuthsbo Gods), Thierry de l’ESCAILLE (Secretary General of ELO)

Milestone reached: Wildlife Estates Label exceeds 1 million hectares mark

In Denmark 26 further Estates joined the Wildlife Estates – network, increasing the total number of estates under the label to 231 covering a total area of 1.135.000 hectares.

8 Florian HOFBAUER, ELO

WE act for biodiversity

he Wildlife Estates Label has been On the 27th – 29th September international fruitful discussions between various developed as a means to recognize experts for wildlife management and the stakeholders of wildlife and nature con- and acknowledge the exemplary national delegations gathered in Køge, servation management. Humberto DEL- T th management of landowners and man- Denmark for the 11 Plenary Session of GADO ROSA, Director Natural Capital of agers of territories in Europe and make the WE Label Steering Committee to dis- DG Environment, emphasized the role of them more visible to society as strong cuss the progress of the project, exchange private land managers for nature conser- guardians of nature. This initiative is experiences and validate the new WE Es- vation. He also stated that “hunters are based on a voluntary approach in order to tates in various countries. The meeting managers of nature and deserve a full rec- highlight the key role of land managers in was chaired by Konstantin KOSTOPOU- ognition of their role for nature”. Andras protecting biodiversity. It also makes the LOS, COO for the WE project. KROLOPP, Senior Policy Advisor of The link between biodiversity and sustainable Nature Conservancy, presented the US hunting to facilitate a better communi- The ELO and Wildlife Estates Steering model of conservation easement which cation between land managers, hunters Committee awarded the WE label to the offers tax reliefs for landowners who ac- and local authorities. The project is man- estates Gisselfeld Kloster (DK), Collore- cept restrictions of conservation on their aged by 19 national delegations who are do-Mannsfeld (CZ), Skabersjö (SE) and land and allows them to sell the accrued responsible for spreading the initiative at Ruuthsbo Gods (SE) for their extraordi- loss of value of their land to NGOs as The the country level. nary efforts to promote biodiversity and Nature Conservancy. He stated that “this nature conservation. model could also have some potential in Europe”. Jurgen TACK, ELO Scientific Di- The seminar “Managing Europe’s wildlife rector & Landelijk Vlaanderen reported of and its natural environment” provided the scientific evidence that hunting con- CountrySide 165

Ledreborg Estate tributes to conservation through balanc- order in the 1970’s. The agriculture pro- thanks to artificially created biotopes, ing the peaks and slumps of population duction is arable, crops of wheat, barley, hedgerows and game crops. Grass strips from prey and predators. He stated that rye and oats as well as grass seed pro- and beetle banks have were cultivated to “if the population keeps on growing, fi- duction. Ledreborg also has a long tradi- extend habitats for pollinators. The agri- nally only hunting is then able to bring the tion as a sporting estate where game and cultural business is run in harmony with population back to the carrying capacity”. wildlife management is an essential part the further activities of the estate, such of the estate’s nature conservation, with as renting of houses, fishing, hunting, Participants in the Plenary Session had both driven and rough game bird shooting tourism, and events. the chance to visit the Ledreborg and Gis- as well as roe deer hunting. selfeld estates to see their wildlife- and landscape management. Ledreborg is an The Gisselfeld Estate consists of 4.000 estate of 1.600 hectares in the centre of hectares distributed between forest, ag- For more information please visit the Sealand’s only National Park. It was listed riculture, meadows, lakes, and wetlands. site: www.wildlife-estates.eu or contact under a national landscape preservation Game and nature have optimal conditions us by email: [email protected]

Keep Calm and Let Africa Speak! 9 importance and that international cooper- would largely be the result of purely emo- ation is required to protect certain species tional reasons, would cause a massive and that are impacted by trade. Over 180 coun- devastating loss of wildlife habitat. tries have ratified CITES which establishes the international legal framework to pre- The International Council for Game and vent the trade of endangered species and Wildlife Conservation supported its mem- regulate the trade in others. bers in Africa by facilitating a press conference on Saturday, September 24 at 17:00 at The 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP), the CITES CoP17. The governments of Na- the decision making body of CITES, took mibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, place in South Africa from September 24 and Mozambique expressed their frustra- to October 5 this year, where members vot- tions and concerns over the imposition of ed on important resolutions that have sig- rules and guidelines, developed without nificant implications for both the trade in their input, which would adversely affect wildlife and the communities that may or wildlife conservation and employment cre- may not be benefiting from their natural ation in their respective home countries by resources. If sustainable hunting and oth- foreign governments. The African Range er forms of consumptive use are eliminat- States finally had a say on the future of ed and local people do not benefit from their wildlife! The session can be watched the wildlife sharing their neighborhood, on the CIC Facebook page. The Convention on International Trade in the natural assets we are bound to protect Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flo- will no longer have support and protection CIC Team ra (CITES) was born out of a recognition from the locals. The consequence of ban- www.cic-wildlife.org that the conservation of wildlife is of global ning sustainable consumptive use, which CountrySide 165

Wild flowering landscapes & bee-friendly farm machinery announced as winners of this year’s European Bee Award

Landscape scale initiative “B-lines” and the “Double Knife system” mowing technology stand out among the pool of 27 contestants from 17 European countries

Beatriz ARRIBAS, CEMA, Ana CANOMANUEL, ELO

Now in its third edition, the prestigious looked at the underlying causes and dis- and around the active B-Lines as well as European Bee Award organised by ELO and covered that around “3 million hectares of a greatly enhanced flora. One partner the CEMA, awards innovative projects in two wildflower rich meadows had disappeared Yorkshire Arboretum has had such suc- different categories: ‘land manager prac- since 1945 in the UK” leading to fragment- cess with their meadow they are consider- tices’ helping to protect pollinators’ habi- ed and isolated pollinator communities. B- ing harvesting and providing seed for other tat in the farmed environment and ‘inno- Lines is our attempt to reverse this decline. meadow creation work. vative & technological solutions’, aiming at reducing the impact of farming activities What are the main actions and practises B-lines is a large scale project, how do you on pollinators’ populations. ‘B-lines’ is undertaking to conserve insect ensure there is a continuity after the crea- pollinators? tion of wild-flower areas? Are public/pri- The projects “B-lines – connecting land- Firstly B-Lines maps areas, usually a coun- vate partners responsible to follow-up lo- 10 scape for pollinators” from the UK has won ty at a time in consultation with local wild- cally? the land management practices category, life groups, landowners and other inter- We ask all participants to guarantee a min- ested parties. Initially plotting areas that while the “Double Knife system with au- imum of ten years’ continuation for mead- are still good for bees and then we seek to tomatic grinding machine” from Germany ows we are involved in creating and do try provide connectivity by choosing the best won the award for innovative technology to monitor areas created. We are currently corridors to join these important areas to- solutions. We had the chance to speak to developing an accreditation scheme to as- gether and connect with neighbouring ar- the coordinators about the goals and fu- sure the quality of work undertaken at all eas. The second phase is to facilitate the ture developments of the projects. levels. We encourage all participants to filing in of the mapped B-Lines with polli- join in a regular dialogue to support learn- nator rich habitat strips either by directly ings from the project. planting and/or sowing new meadows or by influencing others to do so. B-lines also work in the farmed environ- Can you mention some of the places where ment, how this initiative is being received the project has intervened? Could you list by land managers? Farmers have been very positive about the Paul EVANS is the co-ordinator of the main benefits for insects’ populations you have observed until now? idea and welcomed the opportunity to be Buglife’s project “B-lines – connect- Roughly two thirds of England has now part of something big - helping the polli- ing landscape for pollinators”: been mapped along with a little of both nators that will help them and their busi- Scotland and Wales. Most of the remain- nesses. The B-Lines are also carefully plot- ‘B-lines’ project is focused on restoring ing B-Lines have seen some activity by ted to avoid taking in high grade agricul- wild-flower habitats in order to protect partner organisations such as Wildlife tural land and we have been working with pollinators in the UK. How did this idea Trusts and or individual land owners all government to try and provide some grant came up? of which are plotted onto the interactive support for putting land into the scheme Buglife have been very concerned by bee B-Lines map. Already there is evidence We also have developed a B-Lines farm declines over the past twenty years, we of increased pollinator communities in advisor post which is drawing up best prac- CountrySide 165

tice guidance and engaging directly with farmers in the south-east of England.

Based on your current experience, are you planning to export your idea to other countries? Buglife are keen to roll out B-Lines across other countries. After all, bees do not stop at national borders. The interface between, for instance, Ireland and Northern Ireland is of high importance and we are hoping to begin mapping work in Northern Ireland during 2017.

How did you hear about the European Bee Award? We saw some on-line publicity for the Eu- ropean Bee Award and thought that it was What are the main advantages of using protection in mowing operations this sys- a great platform to promote B-Lines and this system compared to conventional ro- tem is nearly perfect. also believe that winning the award will in- tary mowers? crease the political impetus and the land- These double-blade mowers treat amphib- Is this product already available on the owner keenness to deliver more B-Lines. ians and insects with care during mowing market (as set-apart technology and/or operations. Compared to a rotary disc sys- integrated in new mowers)? If not, when tem, a double blade system, does not suck do you plan to launch it? If yes, how many the insects. This mowing technique uses units have already been sold approxi- a scissor cuts system. Therefore, the cut mately? grass falls behind and the insects seating Yes, these kinds of mowers have been on on the plants can fly away without obsta- the market for two years already. In that cles. This tool also reduces considerably period, we have delivered approximately fuel consumption and avoid soil compac- 100 mowing systems in different Euro- Max BANNASKI is the founder and tion due to its lightness. pean countries. CEO of BB Umwelttechnik, the young Can this tool be retro-fitted on existing Do you believe public investment support company behind the “Double Knife mowing machinery? If so, what are the schemes like the CAP Pillar 2 payments system” mower project: approximate costs? could be used to facilitate the uptake of For the moment the retrofitting of old such equipment? ‘Double knife system mower’ is an inno- mowers is not available. Yes, of course. However, the funding vative tool to harvest grassland and avoid should be significantly increased in order damaging insects or amphibians seating Behind this technology there is an inter- to further promote a sustainable agricul- on wild-flowers or grass. How this idea est to reduce the impact of farming prac- ture. Local subsidy programs for this mow- come up? tices in pollinators, are you in contact ing technology, which are already available “As an enthusiastic organic farmer, I was with beekeepers’ associations or local in various countries especially for areas of 11 looking for a more environmental friendly farmers to assess the impact of the tool in high ecologically conservation potential, mowing technique, using a lighter farm preserving pollinators? clearly show that the number of double- machine tool which could be more gentle I have got bees myself on my farm. And I blade mowers has risen significantly. with insects seating on the grass”. Since am in touch with beekeepers to discuss there was no suitable mower on the mar- how to engineer the perfect ‘Double knife Based on your current experience, are ket, I decided to build up a mower based on system mower’ in order to preserve polli- you planning to export your technology my ideas. nators as much as possible. I think, for bee to other countries? If so, which countries would be a priority? More and more farmers from other countries are experiencing the benefits of this new system. We are very interested in exporting our mowers to other European countries. In the last season we have received many requests from Sweden, Den- mark, the Netherlands, France, Hungary and of course Austria and Switzerland.

To learn more about the European Bee Award, visit: www.elo.org/awards/bee-award or contact the award coordinator at: [email protected] CountrySide 165

Education, Training & Innovation European Historic Houses annual event

Each year the European Historic Houses Association (EHHA) invites its national members in Brussels to discuss the workings and future strategy of the European association. These meetings gave strong impulses to strengthen the future development of EHHA, which represents privately owned historic houses in Europe. Its mission is to increase the public and political awareness of the dif- ficulties and needs of private heritage. A highlight for achieving these goals will be the coming European Year for Cultural Heritage in 2018. Furthermore, the Association will revitalize and innovate the EHHA Award to strengthen our overall visibility in Europe.

Maarten PEETERS, EHHA 12

n Wednesday afternoon of the 5th youth is not always aware of our shared COMPTON, many private owners are al- October 2016, the European His- past. Ms. REICHERTS stressed that we ready finding a proper balance between Otoric Houses Association launched need to look beyond the traditional educa- their private residence and the interested a debate on education, training and inno- tion of hard skills in the fields of econom- public. Thorough research in the UK indi- vation for better management of historic ics and law. Indeed, we need to invest in cated that 60 % of the historic houses in buildings. These buildings are very often teaching soft skills targeted at living to- private ownership have already opened important (local) centres for knowledge gether and at revaluing the qualitative and their doors to public events such as wed- of our shared history, heritage and crafts- artistic works of craftsmen. Mr. Patrick dings. manship. Furthermore, they are of vital LIEBUS, President of the European Build- importance in educating the next genera- ers Confederation, representing SME’s in If we want to get the youth interested in tion of both current and future managers the construction sector, confirmed this cultural heritage, it is important, Ms. RE- and admirers. If we are to attract a new view and highlighted the importance of ICHERTS said, to speak their language and generation into caring for and maintaining apprenticeships for the smooth transmis- adjust our style of educating and training Europe’s cultural heritage, we must invest sion of skills. Further, Ms. REICHERTS pro- by using ICT more intensively. Herita, a in training, transfer of knowledge and ac- vocatively stated that the new economic Flemish heritage organisation and promo- quisition of skills. model is shifting towards the concept of tor, tries to focus their activities heavily sharing rather than private property. In her on young children by directly asking their However, both our President Rodolphe view, opening private houses of our shared needs and wishes and by involving differ- de LOOZ-CORSWAREM and Ms. Martine history is more in line with the future as- ent stakeholders like for example the local REICHERTS, Director General of DG Educa- pirations of the next generation. However, communities, schools and villagers. In this tion & Culture, the keynote speaker of the as EHHA’s British member showed through way, it is possible to raise their interest at conference, rightly indicated that today’s the address of their president Mr. Richard an early stage. Also, many national asso- CountrySide 165

ciations are exploring different innovative in the world. Indeed, Mr. MADELIN rightly cultural heritage projects since 2008. Ana forms to raise public awareness of private indicated that five countries out of the CANOMANUEL-ÁVILA, who presented the historic houses. Ms. Birthe IUEL, President top ten most innovative countries in the REVAB project managed by the European of the Danish association BYFO, presented world are European. A great example of Landowners’ Organization, gave another various ways of informing and educating innovation in the field of cultural heritage great example. This project showed clearly the public, such as using TV, online com- and historic houses are the endeavours of that the ancillary buildings surrounding petitions and social media. Our Estonian Mr. Thibault le MARIE, speaker at the con- historic houses can be reused in an innova- member represented at the conference ference presenting the ‘Langue & Nature’ tive way. by Mr. Imre SOOAAR informed the audi- project in his Château de la Mazure. He is ence on their innovative approach to their managing his house as a centre for adult We believe our speakers and participants award system based on the Oscars, which and adolescent education in a stimulating delivered a clear message that should be resulted in a 20% increase of visits to ecosystem. Furthermore, he is investing in taken into account to further develop fu- private historic houses this year. a platform which provides online cooking ture strategies for privately-owned historic sessions in both French and English. houses. It is clear that Involving and edu- To further strengthen the education and cating the Next Generation is of uttermost training process for historic buildings, in- The second aspect stresses the impor- importance for the protection and conser- novation is of uttermost importance. Mr. tance of (virtual) networks. Indeed, Mr. vation of our shared heritage. To assure Robert MADELIN, Senior Innovation Ad- MADELIN emphasised the importance of the involvement of the young generation, visor for the European Commission and creating new partnerships and looking for we have to speak their language and invest opening speaker explained two relevant unsuspected alliances. The French associ- in innovative communication methods. parts for an innovative strategy for cul- ation La Demeure Historique is very active tural heritage in the future. The first vital in trying to find new, innovative and may- aspect is obviously the increasing impor- be unexpected networks. Its president, Mr. tance of technology and digital commu- Jean de LAMBERTYE explained the crea- nication. Society in general, and especially tion of a separate foundation for historic The minutes, reports, presentations the young generation, is being digitised monuments to make up for the cut in gov- and pictures of the conference will be rapidly and, therefore, private owners of ernment subsidies. Since 2009 this foun- made available on our website and historic buildings cannot miss this train. dation has distributed 1.2 million euros Facebook. Different interesting and innovative ini- among 100 monuments and 50 students. (www.europeanhistorichouses.eu) tiatives already exist in Europe, one of Furthermore, La Demeure Historique was & facebook the most important hubs of innovation able to collect 5.6 million euros for 145 (@EuropeanHistoricHouses)

R. de LOOZ- CORSWAREM, P.LIEBUS CountrySide 165

Fish, Mushrooms, and Forestry: YFCS General Assembly Vienna 2016

Each year, the General Assembly of the Young Friends of the Countryside (YFCS) gathers the next generation of countryside entrepreneurs so they can network, experience practical examples of land management and successful business cases. This year, the YFCS General Assembly took place in Austria.

Marie-Christine SCHONBORN, YFCS

The 2016 General Assembly of the Young Friends took place not far from the beautiful estate of Venzel CZERNIN, which provided great introduction into the business of running a golf. Golfclub ENZESFELD is not very far from Vienna and beautiful located on an estate that previously be- longed to the ROTSCHILD family.

On the morning before the GA, the Young Friends were lucky to be introduced to the art of running a fish farm by Ferdinand TRAUTMANNSDORF. He showed to us the different fish he breeds and sells in different ponds on his estates and explained his business concept to us, which includes supplying to the whole city of Vienna. Mushroom farm During the GA, the Young Friends were fortunate to listen to Felix MONTECUC- in Austria are natural hazards and risks in Finally, we were very lucky to welcome COLI, who introduced the audience to the the mountain areas which might explain Alix DE BALSAC, who leads Forum Forêt, topic of sustainable land-use. He first why Austria has such a high awareness for a network, which aims to create subsidiar- gave a broad overview of Austria and the sustainable land-use. To him, sustainable ies in France in order to answer more for- average Austrian farm size, which is on management means “just harvesting the estry specific questions for young people. average 27 hectares. Mr. MONTECUCCOLI fruits, not cutting the tree”. Mr. MONTE- Alix is a pioneer in this subject and it was then explained his concept of sustainable CUCCOLI concluded that Europe needs a very interesting to listen to her impres- land-use, defining it in terms of managing new concept of sustainability; a healthy sive achievements as a founder of Forum the land in order to produce the necessary 14 balance between supporting the econom- Forêt. food whilst keeping a balance with biodi- ic needs of the producers of agricultural versity. He emphasized that a crucial topic products, a self-reliant economy and at the Finally, on the next day the EDLINGER same time with a strong focus on biodiver- family showed their mushroom farm to sity. According to him, an efficient tax sys- us and the Young Friends were very excit- tem could help creating this new balance. ed to gather an insight of how mushrooms are produced. Mushroom breeding is a Ana ROCHA, liaison between the ELO rigorously scientific process, with many and the UK’s CLA also delivered her as- intervening steps. YFCS members were sessment of the Brexit. She detailed the shown the different stages of growth of arguments of both “Stay IN” and “Stay the mushrooms and enjoyed a mushroom Out” and explained how and why Brex- lunch before going their separate way. it happened. Most importantly, she out- lined that “nothing has changed yet” and that questions remained as to how Brexit would alter European and British law. The Young Friends wish to thank Geoffroy de CANNIERE and Marie-Chris- their hosts tine SCHONBORN then introduced the Ferdinand TRAUTMANNSDORF, FAMIGRO award to the audience. The FA- Venzel CZERNIN, MIGRO Award is a price awarding the most Ferdinand TRAUTMANNSDORF, successful and impressive business proj- the EDLINGER family and ect application from a new generation of Alexander VILSMEIER, countryside entrepreneurs with a €5,000 helped organize this Austrian event. prize. CountrySide 165

Due to French Overprotection, Chinese Are Buying Our Farmland

With France’s system of overprotection, its agricultural land prices are among the lowest in Europe. This is mostly caused through the system of land price controls know as SAFER; its pre-emption rights include the downward revision of prices, both for new and settled farmers.

Christian SOREL Former Vice-president of SAFER Centre, Former General Secretary of Bailleurs FNSEA, Former President of Propriété Privée Rurale 36

In order to be able to purchase land, the Regulation will always be necessary to When we include land, inheritance, buyer needs the approval of the so-called create functioning markets, but these wealth, value-added, transfer, municipal, Commission of Land Structure. Due to must evolve with the times in order not improvement, development and other such a draconian control system, the to become a blockage. There will always taxes, we must see that the real winner of commercial value of agricultural land has be loopholes and exploits for foreign and our land markets is the state, rather than been falling and free market competition domestic actors to exploit, but we cannot the rightful owner. in France is limited, both in land acquisi- over-regulate and over-tax our land. tion and use. Like others, the Chinese have found flaws Semences hors-la-loi. to exploit in the SAFER system. On the La biodiversité confisquée. one hand, we should salute their bravery in buying land in a system of such con- Blanche MAGARINOS- REY trols. In this, they follow the Swiss, the Collection:Manifestô - Alternatives, Gallimard Dutch, and the Danish. ISBN : 9782072593895

Answering questions on these issues, Since the beginning of the industrial era, an increasingly French Minister for Agriculture stated industrialised agriculture has played havoc with our crop “This situation is inadmissible. Regulation and biodiversity: over 90% of the varieties traditionally must be reinforced”. However, I believe the used by farmers throughout the world have already disap- opposite needs to be done; instead of rein- peared from our fields and our plates. While the remains forcing an already murky and obscure sys- of these varieties were stored in refrigerated banks of genes for use in the seed industry, their daily use was made illegal as these were con- tem, the Minister should relieve the French sidered to be insufficiently uniform. Through such restrictions, the only varieties au- farmer of these obstacles. thorised for sale on the modern marketplace are those protected by intellectual property rights. These restrictive developments and constraints on access to seeds are If our land markets were freed, French exemplified by lawsuits launched against the Kokopelli association, which maintains land managers could adapt to normal and distributes an extensive collection of traditional varieties. market prices, which would have creat- 15 ed a more competitive atmosphere that At a time when a reform of the EU legislation is being prepared, this book sheds light on a complex legislative arsenal and calls us to action. Hidden inside the seed debate, would lead to lower production prices and the first stage of the food chain, are numerous fundamental discussions: survival of administrative burdens. different varieties of farming, the hope for sustainable agriculture, food quality, but also survival of a common heritage, and the commercial appropriation of life.

EU: You cannot stop terrorism by restricting legal gun ownership. You can still sign the online petition

On the 18th of November 2015 the EC adopted a package of measures to make it more difficult to acquire firearms in the European Union. If you don’t agree with this policy line, and instead you think that the EU should focus on the real problems: AGRILAND • That the external borders of the EU are not protected. • Our population has groups in it that refuse to allign with our democratic core values and our culture. • Illegal arms trade is rampant within the EU. • Criminals and terrorists have easier access to illegal weapons than legal gun owners have access to legal arms. Vous êtes propriétaire de terres agricoles et vous cherchez une formule efficace et rentable pour la gestion de votre bien: l’équipe d’Agriland se met à votre disposition.

L’objectif d’Agriland est d’assurer une optimalisation financière en toute you can sign an on-line petition at: transparence et de renforcer le lien que vous avez avec votre terre. Nous vous informons sur les évolutions en matière d’agriculture, rencontrons les institutions publiques, encourageons l’emploi local et soutenons le verdissement par une https://www.change.org/p/council-of-the-european-union-eu-you-cannot-stop-ter- gestion respectueuse de l’environnement. rorism-by-restricting-legal-gun-ownership?recruiter=503130662&utm_source=share_ Plus d’infos sur www.agriland.be petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive SA Agriland // Avenue Pasteur 23 - 1300 Wavre // tel. +32 10/232 906 // fax +32 10/232 909 // e-mail: [email protected] CountrySide 165

Diary dates

15 November, Brussels 7 December, European Parliament, 25 - 26 January 2017, Reims European Biodiversity Conference, ELO Brussels 9th FFA regional event in France yearly event How to ensure access to land for farmers www.forumforagriculture.com www.elo.org in the EU: a Greens/EFA conference; with ELO active participation 29 - 30 November, Malta www.europarl.europa.eu/portal/en ELO General Assembly www.elo.org 2 December, Ljubljana 9th FFA regional event in Slovenia www.forumforagriculture.com Let’s increase our food supply 16 6 December, Brussels without Bee Award Ceremony, organised by ELO and CEMA reducing theirs www.elo.org 6 - 7 December, Brussels The 2016 EU Agricultural Outlook Conference Syngenta Brussels Office http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/ Avenue Louise, 489, events/2016-outlook-conference_ B-1050 Brussels en.htm Tel: +32.2.642 27 27 www.syngenta.com 7 December, afternoon, Brussels www.goodgrowthplan.com ELO Innovation Conference www.elo.org

Pantone 390 CMYK 24 / 0 / 98 / 8

Pantone 364 Countryside Publisher : CommunicationCMYK 73 /& 9 / 94proof / 39 readers: Rue de Trèves, 67 Thierry de l’Escaille Ana Canomanuel B - 1040 Bruxelles is a publication of the ELO Chief editor : Jehanne de Dorlodot - Verhaegen Tel. : 00 32 (0)2 234 30 00 in English and French Emmanuelle Mikosz Sylviane Montfort Fax : 00 32 (0)2 234 30 09 Text editor : Clara Moreno, Julianna Nagy [email protected] 5 Euros Robert de Graeff Back office: Gabriela Pena Internet Site : www.elo.org