Verein für Landwirtschaft, Sozialarbeit und Ökologie

Welcome to

Verein für Landwirtschaft, Sozialarbeit und Ökologie

‘At the Hessel manor, we have a second-generation biodynamic farm with 90 hectares of arable land and 190 hectares of grassland and work in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way through good interaction between the farmer, arable farming and animal husbandry.’

Matthias uses his own manure and compost to maintain a healthy and humus-rich soil. The farm provides a livelihood for around 100 suckler cows and their offspring as well as some pigs, sheep and horses. The land is used to grow bread wheat, spelt, bread rye and some very old types of grain such as Einkorn or forest rye. The association is working to make more and more people aware of the ecological connection between soil, plants, forest, animals and people and promotes educational programmes, particularly in the field of biodynamic agriculture and nature and landscape conservation.

Who lends a hand here:

‘Our location in Eichsfeld is very demanding and with the agroforestry system we want to protect our wind-exposed grassland and arable land, its fertility and health, from wind and water erosion and at the same time ensure a resilient and diverse landscape.’
~Matthias; Landwirtschaft, Sozialarbeit und Ökologie e.V.

The agroforestry system

Fruit and nut trees were chosen as well as a windbreak hedge with an edible understorey and diversity shrubs.

Details → The short strips of woodland planted parallel to the slope structure the landscape, provide wind protection and slow down water run-off. Existing biotopes are networked and biodiversity is increased. The AF system will serve as a good illustrative example for the environmental education taking place on the farm to show different age groups how nature conservation and sustainable farming work together.

Landwirtschaft, Sozialarbeit und Ökologie e.V. is committed to social justice, sustainability and education – these are important goals that we also pursue with our work. We are therefore very pleased about the cooperation!

Would you also like to campaign for sustainable, regional agriculture? Then support us – together we can make a big difference!