3. Focus on cost savings

Often, when outlining the utilisation possibilities of reed, an important element is the idea of producing added economic value. By integrating reed into the local food system, added economic value is created, but not necessarily through profits but through cost savings.

For example, if a farmer is able to harvest reed from his own water areas for feed and bedding for their animals or for their fields as green manure or soil amendment, it is possible for them to create cost savings in their operations. This can be a significant factor in the profitability of production, as it is more difficult to get a corresponding additional price for one's own products.

Additionally, reed will also improve resilience by replacing external inputs such as feed and bedding – there have been problems with the availability of both recently.