Agroforestry Farmer Thomas Domin Receives Highest Honor from the German Ministry of Agriculture Prepared by Anke Hahn (DeFAF e. V.)
Beginning of October, Thomas Domin, board member of the German Agroforestry Association DeFAF e.V. and experienced agroforestry farmer, received the highest honour from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
Thomas is one of the key multipliers for agroforestry in Germany. As an active EURAF member, he has been cultivating his land in southern Brandenburg with agroforestry for years. He combines daily practical experience with scientific knowledge gained in research projects investigating different types of agroforestry on his farm. It is thanks to him that agroforestry systems are becoming more established in agriculture and are being recognized by the public. His systems contribute to biodiversity, soil and climate protection, and sustainable water management, especially in a post-mining region with dry soils like Lusatia, which is particularly affected by the climate crisis. During farm tours, Thomas explains to visitors the functions of the poplar strips in terms of wind and sun protection, promoting yield stability and expanding the agricultural product range.
Due to his great commitment, Federal Minister Cem Özdemir awarded Thomas Domin the Professor Niklas Medal. In his speech on the occasion of the ‘political thanksgiving’ event in Berlin, he emphasised the simplification of agroforestry regulations in Germany by changing the distance regulations and abolishing the utilisation concept. “And we’re not finished yet,” the Minister assured.
The Professor Niklas Medal bears the name of the first Minister of Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is the highest honour awarded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. We warmly congratulate Thomas on this honourable distinction!
