At the scenic Vltava Reservoir, the cows of the Sitter organic farm graze with a panoramic view of the lake. This unique farm operates on both sides of the border – in Bavaria and in Bohemia – offering a fascinating case study for the PoliRuralPlus pilot project.

In an in-depth conversation with farmer Wilhelm Sitter, we gained valuable insights into what it truly means to manage agricultural operations in two countries simultaneously. Many regulations remain strictly national and lack bilateral coordination. On the German side, additional complexity arises from differing rules at the district level, making day-to-day work across the border particularly challenging.

Despite these obstacles, the Sitter farm demonstrates that cross-border agriculture is not only feasible but also beneficial. Abandoned and unused land is being repurposed, revitalizing rural areas and contributing to regional sustainability. This case illustrates important parallels and opportunities that can be applied in our Czech-Bavarian PoliRuralPlus pilot region.