Within the framework of the "FarmLife EcoValue" project, a set of indicators for assessing ecosystem services at the farm level was developed. The aim was to systematically record the services provided by agricultural holdings beyond pure food production at the individual farm level, in order to create a basis for their presentation.

This project drew on existing international concepts for classifying ecosystem services as well as national approaches, in particular a report by the German Federal Environment Agency. Building on this preliminary work, practical indicators and key performance indicators were developed and their applicability tested in a pilot project with 29 farms. The selection and evaluation of the indicators involved a literature review, consideration of the availability of farm-specific data, and the incorporation of feedback from expert workshops.

The developed set of indicators covers the four central categories of ecosystem services: provisioning, regulating, and cultural services, as well as biodiversity. In the accompanying pilot project, concrete services could be documented using this system, namely in the areas of food production and energy efficiency, maintenance of soil and water quality through site-adapted management, contributions to cultural landscape and recreational value, and promotion of biodiversity through extensive management.

The results show that the indicators provide a practical and scientifically sound overview of the ecological and social benefits of agriculture. They offer potential for diverse applications in farm management, communication, and the development of business models that create financial incentives for sustainable practices.

Further development of the indicator set and expansion of the data basis could contribute in the future to specifically promoting the ecological and economic sustainability of agriculture.

The final report on the project will be available here shortly.