Cross Visit Arable Northern Switzerland
Organic works!
Findings from the DOK Trial and Farmer-Led Experiments
Northern Switzerland
17- 19 June 2026
OrganicAdviceNetwork project aims at building a strong network of advisors with organic competences across Europe. As part of this mission, the project organizes cross visits for agricultural advisors to meet, exchange and share their innovative organic farming practices.
What you can expect from this cross visit
- Deep insights into long-term organic research: Explore the results of the DOK field trial, trial comparing organic, biodynamic and conventional arable farming since 1978, and the scientific evidence behind the environmental benefits of organic farming. While organic systems may yield slightly lower, decades of data demonstrate clear advantages in soil quality, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and climate performance. With more than 140 scientific publications, the DOK trial stands as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture research.
- Field visits to pioneering organic farms: Visit three organic farms with a diversified crop rotation and animal husbandry.
- On-farm innovation: The farm-visits will enrich participants' own advisory practice. We will discover concrete examples of collaboration between farmers and FiBL within the on-farm research network—where science and practice evolve together on topics like soil fertility, innovative production techniques, and practical approaches to climate adaptation.
- Peer-to-peer exchange: Engage directly with Swiss farmers and advisors in open discussions about challenges, solutions, and future perspectives.
- Organic Arable Days: Attend the Swiss Organic Arable Days to explore new crops, soil fertility strategies and practical approaches to climate adaptation.
Registration
You will be asked to provide some personal information, a brief description of your interest in joining this visit and your capacity in covering your travel costs. Participation is not immediate, but confirmation message is required, as the number of advisors who may join the visit is limited.
First-round registration deadline: 24 May 2026; Confirmation date: 30 May 2026
The registration deadline might be extended in case of undersubscription.
Costs
In case you do not have budget (or an organisation) to cover your travel costs, BioAcademy as advisory partner/subcontractor in the Netherlands has at the moment still the opportunity to reimburse part of your travel costs. Eligible costs for reimbursement are transport (train, bus, flight), accomodation (2-3 nights), social lunch and dinners up to a limit of € 800,-. If you take part as a Dutch participant, please contact secretariaat@bioacademy.nl for more information.
