Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

PA7: Experiential learning for a more resilient food system (WP3) AGROMIX Pilot Site: Stadtbauernhof Saarbrücken, Germany

PA7: Experiential learning for a more resilient food system (WP3) AGROMIX Pilot Site: Stadtbauernhof Saarbrücken, Germany

Founded in 2015, Stadtbauernhof Saarbrücken is a two-hectare organic farm in Germany, experimenting with regenerative land use practices. The farm produces mainly vegetables, currently starting with additional fruit production and free-range poultry. Marketing takes place within the framework of community supported agriculture (CSA), a partnership between producers and consumers. Alongside food production, the farm hosts educational programmes on a variety of topics for groups of all ages, ranging from guided farm tours, agroforestry workshops, and policy discussions, with the aim of making sustainable food production accessible for all.

The leaders of the educational programmes highlight that whilst there is a significant lack of knowledge on mixed farming and agroforestry in modern society, both children and adults show great enthusiasm for learning about these systems through the hands-on experiences that Stadtbauernhof Saarbrücken provides, which connect consumers to the source of their food.

However, a key challenge highlighted by the farm leaders is effective communication. Whilst CSA depends on the involvement and commitment of its members, there is still a lack of understanding of regenerative farming practices, showing the importance of increasing access to these educational programmes as part of the upscaling of mixed farming and agroforestry. A positive sign noted by the farm leaders is that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in these programmes has increased.

Founded in 2015, Stadtbauernhof Saarbrücken is a two-hectare organic farm in Germany, experimenting with regenerative land use practices. The farm produces mainly vegetables, currently starting with additional fruit production and free-range poultry. Marketing takes place within the framework of community supported agriculture (CSA), a partnership between producers and consumers. Alongside food production, the farm hosts educational programmes on a variety of topics for groups of all ages, ranging from guided farm tours, agroforestry workshops, and policy discussions, with the aim of making sustainable food production accessible for all.

The leaders of the educational programmes highlight that whilst there is a significant lack of knowledge on mixed farming and agroforestry in modern society, both children and adults show great enthusiasm for learning about these systems through the hands-on experiences that Stadtbauernhof Saarbrücken provides, which connect consumers to the source of their food.

However, a key challenge highlighted by the farm leaders is effective communication. Whilst CSA depends on the involvement and commitment of its members, there is still a lack of understanding of regenerative farming practices, showing the importance of increasing access to these educational programmes as part of the upscaling of mixed farming and agroforestry. A positive sign noted by the farm leaders is that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in these programmes has increased.

Source Project
AGROforestry and MIXed farming systems - Participatory research to drive the transition to a resilient and efficient land use in Europe
Ongoing | 2020-2024
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
United Kingdom
Project details

Project Keywords