Kontaktní osoba:
Tomáš Franěk
soukromý zemědělec
Živá laboratoř 1: Česká republika
Jagava Permafarma
Managed by: Tomáš Franěk
Obecné informace
The Jagava farm is located in the village of Veselice, within the Kutná Hora district. The site was previously part of the historical farmstead, which has records dating back to a 14th-century fortress. For many years, the land was used for conventional agriculture. We are now working to transform the area using permaculture and agroforestry principles.
The project involves local residents and permaculture/agroforestry specialists. Our primary objective is to develop a sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystem that benefits both the environment and the local community. Our motivation stems from a desire to rehabilitate the landscape, increase biodiversity, and produce healthy food. We utilize agroforestry because we recognize the long-term sustainability benefits of integrating trees with agricultural crops.
Initial planting of fruit trees and shrubs began in 2014, and we have since expanded our crop range and are experimenting with various agroforestry methods. The farm is situated on gently rolling terrain, which allows us to take advantage of varied microclimates. The soil is primarily loamy-sandy, with some areas containing higher clay or sand concentrations. We have approximately 30 cm of topsoil that is continually improving through our land management practices.
Our aim is to demonstrate a viable model for sustainable farming that can serve as an example for regional farmers. We intend to show that it is possible to produce quality food while maintaining ecological harmony.
Obecný přístup k zemědělství
Our farming approach is based on the principles of permaculture. We strive to lead by example and inspire others to try doing things differently and seek more sustainable farming methods.
The name JAGAVA is inspired by the observation of a mountain stream, where stones rub against each other in spiral motions. This phenomenon symbolizes the birth of creative forces of life in water, which is metaphorically compared to the “blood of the Earth.” In the ancient language of our ancestors, the flow of life and the flow of the river were referred to by the same word, “AVA.” “JAGAVÝ” then refers to the brightness of stars and lights that announce the manifestation of the celestial, the sacred on Earth. In the context of our permafarm, JAGAVA symbolizes the connection of earthly and heavenly forces, the flow of life, and the creative energy of nature.
Cíle
Our primary goal is to establish a sustainable production system that focuses on cooling the landscape and implementing efficient irrigation practices. We are also deeply committed to enhancing biodiversity, not only for ecological balance but also to ensure a variety of crops for sale. Landscape features play a crucial role in providing shade and retaining water, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Výzvy
Initially, we encountered bureaucratic obstacles that slowed down the implementation of our plans. Unexpected difficulties arose during tree planting, requiring a flexible approach and prompt solutions. Significant damage to newly planted trees caused by wildlife poses an ongoing challenge that we must actively address.
Výzkumné cíle
- Identify Network Types: To determine which types of networks (according to the OECD typology) the farm is involved in.
- Describe Digital Platform Engagement: To map out how the farm utilizes digital platforms for various aspects of its business.
- Analyze the Influence of Networks on Development: To assess how involvement in networks influences innovation (e.g., the introduction of new agroforestry practices), business development (e.g., sales expansion), market access, and the overall sustainability of the farm.
- Determine Specific Benefits and Problems: To identify the specific advantages that network involvement brings to the farm, as well as any problems or barriers it encounters in this context.
- Gain Deeper Insight into Network Functioning in the Context of a Small Agroforestry Farm: This case study should contribute to a better understanding of how networks actually function and what impact they have on smaller agroforestry businesses.
Návrh agrolesnického systému
Our farm covers approximately 40 hectares and includes diverse farming systems, including bioclimatic strips, orchards, vegetable fields, pastures, and arable land. In the bioclimatic strips and orchards, we grow various tree species such as oaks, pines, rowans, maples, alders, lindens, chestnut trees, and walnut trees.
Trees are planted in 20-meter-wide strips, with 4×4 meter spacing in orchards and 10×10 meter spacing for walnut and chestnut trees.
In tree cultivation, we focus on natural growth and do not shape them into spindles. We use minimal irrigation, especially for root vegetables. We fertilize exclusively with compost and use only natural means for plant protection.
Our systems are designed to complement each other and promote biodiversity. Bioclimatic strips help regulate the microclimate and retain water in the landscape, while pastures provide space for livestock, and vegetable fields and orchards ensure food production.
Monitorování
The research concerning the JAGAVA farm will focus on a detailed analysis of its involvement in various network types defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This will include examining whether JAGAVA will share resources (production networks), participate in educational activities and exchange experiences (knowledge networks), collaborate with other sellers or utilize digital platforms for sales (trade networks), and in what ways it will use digital technologies for its business operations (digital platforms). The aim will be to understand how these networks will influence innovations in agroforestry practices at the JAGAVA farm, its business development, access to new markets, and overall economic and environmental sustainability.
Through an in-depth case study of the JAGAVA farm, the research will seek to identify the specific benefits and challenges that will arise from its involvement in different networks. This will involve analyzing the impact of resource sharing on management efficiency, the influence of knowledge exchange on the adoption of new agroforestry methods, the significance of trade networks for expanding sales channels, and the role of digital platforms in marketing and farm management. The insights gained from the JAGAVA case study will then be placed within the broader context of existing studies on SME networks and agroforestry in the EU, with the goal of contributing to a more general understanding of the importance of networks for this specific type of business.
Načítání...
Načíst dokument znovu 
Otevřít v nové kartě 
Czech Republic, Veselice 16, 294 04 Veselice, region Mladá Boleslav – Středočeský kraj
Size of the plot: 40 ha
Silvoarable, Silvohorticulture, Orchards Silvopastoral and Woodland grazing/wood pasture Under preparation
Fruit trees, Hay
Age: 14 years
Počet stromů: 50
Fruits (Cherries, Walnuts, Edible chestnuts, Apple trees, Pears, Plums, Sour cherries, Black currants, Aronia (chokeberries), Sea buckthorn, Cornelian cherries, Honeysuckle berries, Blackberries, Raspberries)
Vegetables (Potatoes, Carrots, Parsley, Celery, Leeks, Onions, Garlic, Pumpkins, Zucchini, Beets, Lettuce, Cabbage, Kale, Kohlrabi, Radishes, Peppers (bell peppers), Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Spinach, Chard, Herbs, Jerusalem artichokes
Livestock: Cows 3 (Scottish Highland cattle); Hens (Chickens)
Czech 
English 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Danish 
Hungarian 
Bulgarian 
Dutch