Organic farming offers a sustainable alternative for environmentally and health-conscious consumers and farmers, while one of its key aims is to preserve soil fertility and biodiversity. However, conversion to organic farming requires knowledge and practical experience, as adopting this new approach can involve uncertainty and risks. This is why credible examples are essential: examples that show in practice how organic production can work successfully, and how environmental and economic sustainability can be combined with reduced dependence on external inputs. The Lighthouse Organic Farms Network, initiated by the Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (ÖMKi), is being launched to provide farmers, advisors, and consumers with tangible examples and opportunities for personal engagement with sustainable agricultural practices.
Farmers are increasingly facing interconnected challenges. Climate change, water scarcity, rising input costs, soildegradation, and the vulnerability of ecological systems are all factors that are fundamentally reshaping the way agriculture operates. In this context, organic farming is not only an alternative, but also offers direction through its sustainable methods.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of ÖMKi, which has been dedicated to advancing organic farming in Hungary. Its flagship initiative is on-farm research, conducted in close collaboration with farmers under real production conditions.
As part of this work, ÖMKi collaborates with leading Hungarian organic farmers. Building on this cooperation, it has now launched the Lighthouse Organic Farms Network with the participation of eight exemplary farms. The aim of the Network is to make existing, proven organic production practices in Hungary more visible and accessible. The initiative is also linked to the objectives of the European Soil Mission, which supports the spread of living labs and good practices for soil protection across Europe.
Leading the Way in Organic Farming
The farms included in the Network demonstrate the viability of organic principles in arable farming, horticulture, viticulture, and livestock production. They serve as examples for other producers: day-to-day, they work to create environmentally and socially sustainable food production systems, with a complex and innovative mindset, while being open to sharing their knowledge with others. Within the 2026–2027 program, the Lighthouse Organic Farms will share their experiences through field days with trainings and open days held on their own farms, as well as through online content such as videos and social media platforms. ÖMKi supports the organization and implementation of these programs, coordinating the events with the presentation of ongoing on-farm research and experiments.
„The aim of the Lighthouse Network is not only to share knowledge, but to turn it into practical solutions that can be applied through hands-on experience. The methods presented offer tangible inspiration that can be adapted to individual circumstances. The program fills an important gap, as farmers learn most effectively from one another and are highly open to exploring future-proof solutions together. We want organic farmers and those considering conversion to organic to feel that they are not alone and that they have a trusted network to turn to for advice. The Lighthouse Organic Farms can also inspire consumers – it’s encouraging to see that the food on our tables can come from such dedicated farms working in harmony with nature.” said Lilla Tóth, project leader at ÖMKi.
Members of the Lighthouse Network and Their Main Activities
| Gazdaság | Helyszín | Tevékenység |
|---|---|---|
| Antal Biofarm | Jászszentandrás | Organic arable crop production, processing, and sales |
| Csoroszlya Farm | Szár | Organic arable crop production, fruit production, processing, and sales |
| Dani Mária Családi Gazdasága | Körösszegapáti, Magyarhomorog | Organic arable crop production and regenerative soil cultivation |
| Erdődi Biokert | Hajdúhadház | Organic and biodynamic horticulture and arable crop production, livestock keeping, processing, and sales |
| Gál Tanya | Bugacpuszta | Organic Hungarian grey cattle keeping, pasture management, arable crop production, and regenerative soil cultivation |
| Horhos Völgyi Ökobirtok | Tardona | Organic grazing, livestock production with native cattle and sheep, beekeeping, processing, and sales |
| MagosVölgy Ökológiai Gazdaság | Terény | Biointensive vegetable production in open fields and protected cultivation, with sales based on a CSA model |
| Tokaj-Hétszőlő Szőlőbirtok | Tokaj | Organic viticulture, processing, and sales |
Community Building for Today’s Needs
In the past, farmers in smaller local communities often exchanged knowledge and experiences informally and in person. Today, many of these direct connections have weakened, with knowledge sharing increasingly taking place through digital platforms or formal training programmes. At the same time, in an increasingly complex information environment, authentic personal connections and trustworthy examples are becoming more valuable than ever. The Lighthouse Network aims to restore and strengthen these connections by combining community-based, practice-oriented learning with modern communication tools, encouraging both farmers and consumers to adopt more sustainable practices.
“As a farmer, I know that introducing new methods often comes with uncertainty and initial difficulties. That is why it is important to have places where we can learn from one another, share our experiences, and realise that no one has to face these challenges alone. If our own practices can help others move in this direction, it is a step forward for the entire sector. At the same time, it can help consumers gain a better understanding of sustainable production processes and develop a greater appreciation for organic food,” emphasized Zoltán Dezsény, co-founder of MagosVölgy Organic Farm and a participant in the Lighthouse Network.
From Knowledge to Model, from Inspiration to Impact
The Lighthouse Network initiative is expected to deliver new results not only in practical terms but also from a methodological perspective. During the project, ÖMKi experts will examine which forms of knowledge transfer are most effective in farmer training. The program operates as a continuously evolving model built on participants’ experiences, contributing to the methodological development of peer-to-peer learning. At the same time, it supports consumers in making informed decisions and helps increase both interest in organic products and consumer trust.
A projekt Magyarország Kormánya és az Európai Unió társfinanszírozásával valósul meg.
