How can climate resilience succeed in Central German agriculture?

The students visited ten farms and scrutinised their climate resilience. They focussed on the following aspects:

1. Adaptability of agriculture to climate change: Farmers in the region have already developed remarkable adaptation strategies to climate change. They are continuously making decisions to adapt cultivation methods, such as sowing times, soil treatment and the implementation of technical solutions such as irrigation systems.
2. Economic resilience and political and bureaucratic obstacles: Farmers face considerable economic challenges. Market structures and rising operating costs are putting a strain on financial resilience. Strategies such as direct marketing and renewable energies are not only optional, but often essential measures to stabilise income. Farmers' efforts are hampered by political and bureaucratic obstacles that make it difficult for them to adapt.
3. Psychological resilience and social significance: Despite low incomes, long working days and the feeling of often being misunderstood, farmers are proud of their work and emphasised the lack of recognition and appreciation for local products. As the country's breadwinners, they see themselves as playing a crucial role in society, especially in challenging times due to climate change, demographic change and global uncertainties.

At the end, the students agreed: "The dialogue is essential to reduce the gap between urban and rural living spaces and to promote better understanding, especially in times of increasing social tensions and information distortions." The seminar also made it clear once again that solutions in practice are created through direct contact and dialogue.