Scientific objectives: to understand the ethical dimensions of societal transformations

The aim of the project OEKO-Valuation is to contribute to the understanding of social-ecological transformations, and in particular to better understand the relevance of values and norms in transformative change. On the one hand, this involves the question of whether a value shift is needed and how this should be shaped; on the other hand, it aims to shed light on the interactions between material, practical, and normative aspects of transformation processes. The project also addresses open methodological questions in transdisciplinary research. The intention of this project is to develop formats and tools to enable reflection and communication in regard to values and norms.

Practical objectives: to understand and support the stakeholders, to build up a network

In practice, OEKO-Valuation aims to foster better knowledge and understanding among different stakeholders and thus support transformation processes. Specifically, it aims to facilitate cooperation between agricultural enterprises, the processing industry, trade, and consumers, which can have a leverage effect for a more ecological orientation of the entire regional food system. In this process, it is important to recognize different perspectives and identify commonalities to enable cooperation between the parties.

The purpose of the project is to develop knowledge, skills, and tools that can be used at different spatial levels for strategies to promote organic farming. The knowledge gained in the organic model regions will serve as a source of inspiration and reference model for other regions.

For more information, please visit the Website OEKO-Valuation - Values and Norms in Agriculture.

Challenges:
Farmers experience discrepancies between desire and reality: There is a gap between what is generally desirable and what is locally reasonable or economically and technically feasible. These discrepancies are not easy to bridge. Consumers are caught between responsibility and excessive demands: What role does individual consumer behavior play in the integration of more biodiversity conservation into agricultural practice?

  • Possible outcomes:
    Specification of concrete targets for local measures to protect biodiversity, which are integrated into management practices and rewarded by consumers.

Challenges:
Farmers and consumers feel restricted in their freedom of choice and are constrained by others, e.g. market, EU, techniques or laws.

  • Possible outcomes:
    Development of activities and measures that support the various actors and enable them to act responsibly and in a self-determined way, e.g. development of direct marketing structures.

Challenges:
Farmers demand more social recognition (not only in economic terms); consumers require more understanding of complex realities that limit their freedom of action.

  • Possible outcomes:
    Appreciation of different realities and development of structures that make it easier to do "the right thing", e.g. increasing access to organic products for marginalized groups.

Challenges:
Farmers are dissatisfied with the current method of handling calves and old cows, consumers are less aware of this ethical issue. Sometimes long transportation of animals is necessary, if there are no slaughterhouses in the vicinity.

  • Possible outcomes:
    Development of new ideas on how to use agricultural products without/minimizing waste generation; greater local demand for "nose-to-tail" offers.

Contact

University of  Hohenheim
Department of Societal Transition and Agriculture (430b)
Prof. Dr. Claudia Bieling
Schloss Hohenheim 1 C (Museumsflügel)
70599 Stuttgart
Tel.: + 49 (0)711 / 459-24029
Email: claudia.bieling@uni-hohenheim.de
Website: OEKO-Valuation - Values and Norms in AgricultureWerte und Normen in der Landwirtschaft