"A fruitful collaboration"

Pascale Cornuz was an organic farmer for 24 years and has been working in biodiversity consulting for over 20 years. She has extensive experience with networking projects and whole-farm biodiversity consulting on organic farms. She has been working at FiBL Switzerland in the Advisory & Training group since 2023 and is involved in the biodiversity advisory course, among other things.

Farmers play a crucial role in our ecosystems. Their daily decisions directly influence the biodiversity in their fields and the surrounding areas. Involving them in the biodiversity advisory process is therefore essential. FiBL Switzerland, together with Agridea and Agrofutura, has therefore launched a training programme on whole-farm biodiversity consulting. This programme trains experts to provide competent and participative advice to farms (vegetable, fruit, wine, etc) on biodiversity issues.

The 10-day training programme imparts agronomic and ecological knowledge as well as social and methodological skills. The participants accompany experienced advisors and subsequently carry out whole-farm consultations themselves, which are accompanied by a coach (further information on the structure and content can be found in the course announcement, see below under "Link"). The course is currently taking place for the second time and will be held again next year.

Counselling at eye level

One focus of the course is to ensure that the advisors not only have theoretical knowledge, but also understand the practical challenges and needs of farmers. Experience shows that when farmers are seen as equal partners in the advisory process, it strengthens their interest in environmental protection. The fact that their opinions and experiences are valued increases their motivation to play an active role in protecting and improving biodiversity. Active participation in turn leads to more sustainable and practicable solutions, as the measures are directly tailored to their needs. Involving farmers also promotes a sense of respect, strengthens mutual trust and ultimately commitment to the measures to be implemented on the farms.

Our biodiversity counselling specialist training significantly supports these goals. Thanks to their in-depth training, advisors can effectively mediate between scientific knowledge and practical requirements. When advisors recognise the skills and expertise of farmers, they pave the way for more fruitful cooperation. Farmers can then communicate more freely and propose solutions that are tailored to their specific realities. On the other hand, unconventional measures are more likely to be tried out if there is a strong basis of trust. Working together can lead to positive changes that benefit both the farm and the environment. During consultations, we often hear: "That makes sense" or "I can understand that".

As an advisor, finding the balance between the ecological goals and the concerns and constraints of the practice creates the basis for successful innovation. Ultimately, both sides benefit from constructive collaboration and the positive impact on biodiversity can be impressive.

Only together can we overcome the challenges of biodiversity conservation and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Further information

Contact

Pascale Cornuz

Link

agridea.ch: Training course for biodiversity counselling specialists (in German)

Selected publications with the participation of Pascale Cornuz

youtube.de: Planting a natural meadow with the hay flower method (in German and French)