The BRIGHT-Futures team kicked off 2026 with a clear resolution: to keep exploring what sustainable and successful agriculture can look like across very different regions of the world.
Our first stop this year [from 26.01. to 28.01.] took us close to home- to the Allgäu region in Bavaria. For cheese lovers, the name may already sound familiar: Allgäuer Bergkäse comes from this mountainous, postcard-perfect landscape. Beyond tourism, however, the region plays a key role in dairy production and pasture-based landscape management.
The goal of this scoping trip was to take a first, systematic look at the agricultural landscape of the Allgäu. We gained first ideas on the land-use patterns and the key stakeholders across the region- an essential first step toward understanding how agriculture, environment, and local livelihoods are connected here.
We met with the Ökomodellregion Oberallgäu and had an interesting discussion about the possibilities and challenges of the ecological transformation of the agriculture and food sector in the region. Family Fleck from Milchfleck in Eschach showed us their passion for cows and their concept of direct marketing. Fabian Höß from the Alpwirtschaftlicher Verein im Allgäu (AVA e.V.) took time to discuss our research interests, introduced us to the Naturpark Nagelfuhkette and two young farmers who recently took over a successful dairy farm at the Alpsee. And we had a good time at the Käsküche Isny, discussing the small scale ecological networks along the supply chain, from producers to consumers, and tasting the delicious Adelegger Bergkäse.
This initial exploration sets the stage for future fieldwork and deeper collaboration in the region- stay tuned for what comes next!
(Text: HY. Gan & H. Uther, Pictures: V. Seufert)
