FRANZ Program Promotes Biodiversity In Agriculture

NAUEN, GERMANY - MARCH 22: German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (C-R) and Agriculture Minister Cem Oezdemir (R) listen to farmer Peter Kaim explain his technique for growing rapeseed at the Havelland Ribbeck farm on March 22, 2024 near Nauen, Germany. The farm, which combines dairy production, grains and biofuel energy, is part of the F.R.A.N.Z. program, a nationwide government sponsored initiative that seeks to promote biodiversity in agriculture. Kaim claims that through relatively simple techniques he has been able to foster sustainable ecosystems among his fields that support a wide variety of animal life, including mice, birds, butterflies and other insects. Biodiversity across Europe has been severely and negatively impacted by agriculture over the last few centuries. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)