PROJECT ON-FARM

TITLE OF THE CASE STUDY

BiohofLecker - Organic family farm

MAIN DATA OF THE COMPANY

Name of the Company

BiohofLecker

Country

Type of the Company

Farming Activity

Direct selling way

SELF – INTRODUCTION OF THE FARMER

Biohof Lecker is an organic family farm. A conversion to organic farming took place in 1994.

Three farms are managed:

● The Urbanhof in Niederheining (free-range chickens; pasta manufacture; LaufenerLandweizen).

● The Lirzerhof in Schiffmoning (dairy cows; farm dairy)

● And the farm in Hinterau (arable farming; orchards)

The farm grows or produces products such as eggs, pasta, vegetables, apples, dairy products, etc. A big focus and a main source of income is the so called Ökokiste, a food delivery service. The farm is also a member of the Ökokiste association. The own products can be purchased as well at the stalls at the weekly/farmers markets. More than 90% of the farm's turnover from direct marketing comes from the organic box delivery service. The rest comes from sales at the weekly markets. The Ökokisten delivery service was founded in 2009. In addition, we offer large selection of recipes on the homepage

CHANGES / INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS ADOPTED

Biohof Lecker has adopted several innovative approaches by changing production methods, developing new products and engaging with like-minded partners in the region. A big innovation was converting to organic farming. One of the innovative products are the cultivation of Laufener Landweizen, an old cultivar mentioned as early as the 16th century. Despite the fact that Laufener Landweizen is mentioned on the slow food list for regional varieties, only about 20 farms in Europe or probably in the world wide are producing it today. Depending on the size of the area, we cultivate the Laufener Landweizen annually on approx. 2 ha. The grain products are marketed via the eco-box delivery service. Partly the flour is also processed by the nearest baker. The breads are also marketed through the delivery service. The farm is a partner of the UNESCO Berchtesgadener Land biosphere region since 2022. The aim is to help shape and promote sustainable development in the Berchtesgadener Land region. This includes the implementation of many sustainability measures in the business processes of the company and we are acting as an ambassador for the biosphere region.

The "Gockelprojekt" since 2015: The background to this is the fact that male chicks of specialized breeds of laying hens are sorted out and killed after hatching. The company wants to do something about this unethical practice of industrial egg production. Among other things, it is contrary to the company's philosophy in dealing with living creatures. Therefore, at the BiohofLecker the male chicks are also raised. The Biohof Lecker is a co-founder of the association Ökogenuss Waginger See in 2020. The aim of the association is to market organic products from the region via an online platform. Maintenance of the platform and logistics will be taken over by us. We are also part of other initiatives and are contributing to climate protection through the Greensurance Foundation that is compensating greenhouse gas emissions through a moor project. The regional savings bank Sparkasse Berchtesgadener Land is financing a humus reclamation project, which is implemented on our farm.

WHY AND HOW YOU DECIDED TO INTRODUCE  STRATEGY CHANGES / INNOVATIONS

As an organic farm, sustainability and responsibility for future generations are very close at hand. With the membership in the Ökokistenverband and strengthened by the first common good balance sheet, the sustainability aspects that go beyond the organic production of food play an increasingly important role in the company's further development. It is important to participate in the goal of maximum climate warming by 1.5 °C as a company, to promote fair and equitable trade and to push regional economic cycles.

WHAT OBSTACLES DID YOU MEET

Many of the corporate goals of the operation are not business oriented. The ability to achieve them depends on the financial resources that are available. Practical obstacles of the production of Laufener Landweizen was to produce enough seeds. After two years, there were enough seeds so we could start producing our own. An old variety like Laufener Landweizen requires high quality products and direct marketing of products in order to recover the costs. Although the old variety is very well adapted to the conditions in the region, modern varieties are characterized by a higher productivity. Nevertheless, the specialty products like pasta or bread increase the product range by adding a unique and interesting product to the delivery box.

EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS

Working in a company that is "fit for grandchildren" offers a great deal of personal satisfaction. The company also communicates these values to the outside world and can thus achieve that employees also want to work within the company because they find personal fulfillment in meaningful work. Likewise, many of our customers honor the path of sustainability we follow.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENT AND WHAT ARE THE PERSPECTIVES IN YOUR MIND

The current market situation is very volatile. A high demand in the corona years 2021 and 2022 meets the buying restraint in the current Ukraine conflict. The company will continue to follow its path, as it believes that sustainable business has a future!

FINAL SENTENCES

General Evaluation

Biohof Lecker has been operating its organic box delivery service since 2009. Meanwhile, it is well established in the market and still making exciting new experiences and insights.

Suggestions for other farmers

Do it! Be authentic and live your values! The production of food always has a future.