More than flowers and bees

The more buzzing, humming, flying, fluttering and blooming there is, the better for biodiversity. But so far, insect protection has often been limited to a few strips of flowers at the edge of fields. "We need more habitat, more food and more pollination opportunities for insects," demanded Patrick Trötschler, Managing Director of the Lake Constance Foundation, on Thursday morning during his session "More than just flower strips – How to have a more positive impact on insects and biodiversity" on the Future Lab Stage at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026.

Trötschler presented results from the EU LIFE project "Insect-friendly regions", in which the Lake Constance Foundation, as a private environmental and nature conservation organisation, and other partners are involved. Seven regions were selected for the project, including Wendland, Allgäu and Vinschgau in South Tyrol. More than 60 farms participated in these regions, for each of which specific plans were drawn up. It was important to integrate biodiversity measures into existing production systems.

Pioneers and cooperation are important

This could mean, for example, allowing paths in vineyards to grow wild or creating several functional flower strips in potato fields, where insects then help to keep the crops healthy. Around 2,200 hectares of insect-friendly area were created in this way. "It was important to bring together experts from agriculture, forestry and local authorities in regional working groups and to develop overarching strategies," explained Trötschler. The project also included training courses with more than 1,500 participants.

In his view, several factors are crucial to ensuring that these areas become more than just flower strips: "You need pioneers with intrinsic motivation and a high level of expertise who can inspire others to follow suit," explained the project expert. Good coordination and communication are also important, but they cost money. "You need private and public funds. These are not donations or subsidies, they are an investment in our environment."

More flexible support programmes

The Netherlands could serve as a model here, where there are joint strategies and cooperation between farmers in a region to promote greater biodiversity. According to the project manager, such cooperative, landscape-related funding programmes should exist throughout the EU. Incentives are also important for farmers, for whom the commitment to greater biodiversity also entails risks and costs. "Subsidies must be more flexible and public and private funds must be combinable," said Trötschler.

However, the food industry, which bears a great deal of responsibility, also has a role to play. "Biodiversity is an economic factor and the key to a resilient value added chain." According to the expert, the industry must create incentives for measures to increase biodiversity and work together to develop uniform standards. The industry-wide "Food for Biodiversity" network is a good start in this regard.

In the Bliesgau project region in Saarland, things are already buzzing and flying successfully. Thirty-three species of wild bees were discovered there for the first time.