Linking sustainable practices throughout Europe
[EXP] Gut Wulksfelde, a multifunctional and education farm at the outskirts of Hamburg city
Rural topic(s): Agroecology and agroforestry, Local food Chains, Rural entrepreneurship and diversification of activities
Type: Success story
Date of writing: June 30, 2010
Author(s) of this page: Titus Bahner
Organization(s): Gut Wulfsdorf, Gut Wulksfelde
Summary:
For decades, Hamburg municipality has purchased agricultural land to be able to influence city development. In 1989/1994, the city opted for the conversion of three large estates in its ownership to organic farming. These farms all play a major role in providing local organic food, and two of them have developed direct marketing and a large array of social and cultural activities involving the community.
« Gut Wulksfelde » is a 250 hectare farm located at the outskirts of Hamburg city (2 million inhabitants). The land is owned by the city, the farm is run by several families and in total gives work to about 50 employees and free-lancers. The farm produces grain and vegetables and raises cattle, hogs, geese and chicken. Food processing (bakery), direct marketing (farm shop, box scheme) and farm-related services (school classes) produce many more jobs. People are encouraged to visit and signs are all over to explain various aspects of the farm. The opportunity to see the farm and have it explained is very popular specifically with young families.
Text:
See the detailed story in the document attached.
Notes:
Source: http://www.accesstoland.eu/Hamburg-City-Estates-Germany
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Informations:
Scale of intervention : Local
Keywords: organic farming, local food processing, multifunctional Agriculture, land policy, direct selling, diversification of economic activities, collective approach, solidarity customers, Information / Education for sustainable development, farmer’s shop, community supported agriculture - CSA, consumer producers partnerships, job creation, box scheme, livestock farming
Places: Germany
Actors: rural estate
Methods: raising awareness, promotion of local economic activity, training/capacity-building