As part of Expert Forum 28, ‘Land in Transition’ the agricultural systems of the future shaped the programme together with the ILS – Institute for Research on Urban Development and Spatial Planning, the Öko-Institut, the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), the Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), neuland21 and the Wüstenrot Foundation.

The expert forum focused on current challenges in land use: limited land, increasing demands due to the energy transition, climate adaptation and dietary changes, and the resulting competition for land use. In keynote speeches and working groups, participants discussed how land use conflicts arise, which actors are affected and how these conflicts can be addressed early on and constructively.

Ramona Bruck, project manager for Agricultural Systems of the Future, emphasised in her keynote speech the importance of real-world laboratories for transformation processes: ‘Real-world laboratories are the key to bringing together research, practice, politics and society in a joint learning process – they are the central place where sustainable agricultural systems can be designed.’

There was a particular focus on experimental spaces and innovations in rural areas. Interactive workshops were held to discuss how real-world laboratories can help to resolve local conflicts and competing uses. Various approaches were discussed, ranging from the meaningful use of simulation games to the greater inclusion of emotional and socio-cultural aspects in planning and decision-making processes. Concrete implementation issues were also addressed, such as the role of real-world laboratory managers, clear roadmaps and approaches to helping people help themselves locally.

A key conclusion of the expert forum: it is worthwhile to go beyond traditional participation formats, try out new dialogue-oriented methods and actively encourage people to participate in innovation and transformation processes. The agricultural systems of the future will continue the exchange that has begun on real-world laboratories, sustainable land use and cooperative land management.