IGZ contributes expertise to DFG position paper on the diversification of cropping systems

29.01.2026

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The Permanent Senate Commission on the Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems (SKAE) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) has published a position paper setting out recommendations for the greater diversification of plant production systems. With its Director, Professor Dr Nicole van Dam, the Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributed its expertise to the development of the paper.

The SKAE was established by the DFG in January 2024 and comprises 18 scientists from agricultural and food sciences as well as related disciplines. The Commission’s aim is to provide scientifically grounded guidance for the transformation of agricultural and food systems, to offer policy, practice and research relevant perspectives, and to develop interdisciplinary solutions.

The position paper addresses key challenges: highly specialised, low-diversity cropping systems; limited integration of new crop species; low implementation of diversified crop rotations; and inadequate technological, economic and policy frameworks. It highlights how more diverse cropping systems can strengthen resilience, sustainability and climate adaptability, enhance ecosystem functions, secure regional value creation, and improve security.

“As a member of the SKAE, I welcome that we were able to formulate concrete recommendations for future-proof plant production systems in the position paper. Among other aspects, we show how the integration of various field vegetable crops can contribute to the diversification of farming systems and to improving food security. These comparatively easy-to-implement adjustments will not only strengthen the sustainability and climate adaptability of German agriculture, but at the same time also promote biodiversity and secure regional value creation,” says Prof. Dr Nicole van Dam, Scientific Director of the IGZ in Großbeeren.

The IGZ supports the implementation of the recommendations set out in the position paper through research on sustainable, diversified horticultural production systems. The Institute’s expertise contributes to developing practical solutions that integrate ecological, economic and societal dimensions.

Further information:

DFG press release (GER): https://www.dfg.de/de/service/presse/pressemitteilungen/2026/pressemitteilung-nr-02
Position paper download (GER, English summary): https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18265758
About the SKAE: https://www.dfg.de/en/about-us/statutory-bodies/senate/agricultural-food-systems