📋 Tender Overview
August 10, 2026
(August 9, 2026) Munich - Less precipitation, longer heat periods and increasingly frequent weather extremes are permanently changing agriculture and forestry in Bavaria. While drought has already become a permanent problem in many places, the Free State has long been working on solutions. In the business area of the Bavarian State Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism, the Bavarian State Institute for Agriculture, the Bavarian State Institute for Forestry and Forestry, the Office for Forest Genetics and the Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture, together with practical companies, are developing new ways to use water sustainably and adapt to climate change.
We cant let it rain. But we can ensure that our agriculture, our forests and our cultural landscape can cope better with drought. Thats exactly why weve been researching in Bavaria since this summer: on plants that get by with less water, on soils that hold water longer, on clever irrigation and on forests that can cope better with heat and drought. Our claim is clear: What our researchers develop must help out in the fields, in the vineyards and in the forest, said Bavarias agricultural and agricultural authority Forestry Minister Michaela Kaniber.
Research where drought is particularly noticeable
The Research Center for Agriculture in Dry Areas in Schwarzenau in the Kitzingen district shows an example of what this research looks like. At one of the driest and warmest locations in Bavaria, the Bavarian State Institute for Agriculture is investigating how yields can be secured despite increasingly scarce water resources. The focus is on new crop species and varieties, water-saving cultivation methods, adapted crop rotations and modern digital technologies. Drones, satellite data and sensor technology provide valuable insights for more precise management.
The state institute is testing new crops such as peanut, cowpea, chickpea and black cumin. Agroforestry systems are also being tested that retain water in the landscape for longer, protect the soil and increase the resilience of agricultural land. The procedures are tested under real conditions together with practical companies and then incorporated into the consultation. Schwarzenau is an example of the Bavarian way. No solutions are developed on the drawing board here, but rather together with the companies. What works in practice should then benefit farmers as quickly as possible.
Every drop of water should be used optimally
The Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture (LWG), located in the heat and drought hotspot of Lower Franconia, has been working on innovative solutions for increasingly dry and hot growing seasons for many years. Crop plants such as new Silvaner clones with high water use efficiency are being tested in Franconian vineyards. The focus is on efficient root systems that tap into the low water reserves in the soil and cultivation methods that use little water.
The developments are supplemented by modern digital measurement, control and forecasting systems in order to tailor watering specifically and economically to the actual water requirements of crops in fruit and wine growing. Every aspect of the water issue needs to be addressed. Alternative water sources such as municipal gray water for the irrigation of urban green spaces are being examined. Agri-photovoltaic systems are also used, which enable the combined production of renewable energy and the shading of heat-exposed crops.
Developing the forest of the future today
Bavarias forests also have to adapt to changing climate conditions. The Bavarian State Institute for Forestry and Forestry and the Office for Forest Genetics are therefore investigating which tree species will be particularly suitable in the future. They provide important scientific knowledge about the cultivation of new tree species, such as: B. Tree hazel or Atlas cedar. In addition, forest owners can test new tree species through practical cultivation trials, for which they receive nine euros per plant and the prospect of a new, climate-stable forest. The cultivation trials are scientifically monitored and the research results are directly incorporated into climate-adapted forest conversion. Digital tools such as the Bavarian Forest DurreMonitor help forest owners better assess the water supply in their forests and plan measures such as the irrigation of forest crops or the use of forestry machines.
The Free State of Bavaria consistently focuses its departmental research on the challenges of climate change. The current departmental research framework focuses on climate adaptation, resource efficiency, biodiversity and competitiveness. New research projects are specifically supported and closely linked to advice and education. In this way, new findings reach agricultural and forestry practice more quickly.
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