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Our Profile
Through reduced tillage, cover crops, and composting, we increase soil fertility and sequester carbon. Our partner farms focus on humus building, thus improving the long-term water retention capacity of their fields.
Practical & scientifically supportedFrom field to store counter: We support farmers in building their own marketing channels. From legal advice to store design and pricing – ensuring regional products find their way to customers.
Legally secure & customer-orientedTrees on fields protect against erosion, improve the microclimate, and create additional income sources. Whether orchard meadows or high-value timber rows – we show how woody plants strengthen the farm ecologically and economically.
Ecologically & economically viableOur network of farmers, advisors, and researchers exchanges experiences and develops practical solutions. Regular field days, workshops, and publications keep all participants up to date.
Connected & practice-orientedWith our network of experienced farmers and agricultural economists, you will develop a tailored concept for your operation – from crop rotation to direct marketing.
Schedule a non-binding initial consultationOur farm focuses on cycles instead of maximum yield. You can feel it in the soil, in the taste, and in working with us.
We build humus, not deplete it. Through compost, under-sowing, and minimized tillage, the soil stays alive and stores water like a sponge.
Every product can be traced back to our field. No wholesalers, no repacking stations – just the journey from the farm to your kitchen.
We work with subscription boxes and farm shops, not fluctuating market prices. This gives us planning security and you consistent quality.
Our books are open to members. Everyone can see where the revenue goes – into seeds, wages, and new trees.
Flower strips, hedges, and deadwood piles are not decoration for us, but habitats. We count bird species, not just kilos per hectare.
Answers on direct marketing, subsidies and sustainable farming – without legal jargon.
The Hygiene Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 is the basis. You must submit a cleaning and disinfection plan, ensure traceability of all products and provide proof of training. For processed goods such as jam or juice, the Food Information Regulation (LMIV) also applies. An initial instruction according to §43 IfSG is mandatory. The responsible authority is the respective district office – you will also receive the checklist for opening there.
Agroforestry areas are subsidized through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). You submit an application to the responsible Chamber of Agriculture – in Austria this is the AMA. A management plan with a planting scheme, a field map and details of the tree species are required. The subsidy rates are around 60% of the acquisition costs for trees and protective measures. Payment is usually made in the year after planting. A preliminary consultation is recommended as funds are limited.
The initial investment depends heavily on the size of the farm. For a 50-hectare farm, expect around €8,000 to €12,000 for direct seeding equipment and cover crop seeds. However, ongoing costs decrease: less diesel, less fertilizer, less pesticide. Many farmers report cost savings of 15% to 25% after three years. Support programs such as the ÖPUL measure "Humusaufbau" (humus building) can additionally support the conversion.
Yes, but only under certain conditions. You need an operating license according to §2 of the regulation on requirements for hygiene when manufacturing, treating and placing food on the market. The milk must come from your own animals or from an approved supplier. The cheese must be produced in a separate, designated room. A batch number and a best-before date are mandatory. Get advice from the food monitoring authority beforehand – the inspections are strict.
The sale of high-grade timber from meadow orchards usually takes place through regional sawmills or forestry service companies. A good point of contact is the Association of Bavarian Meadow Orchards, which regularly organizes marketing days. You can also offer your wood directly via the platform "holz-vom-hof.de". The price depends on trunk diameter, straightness and freedom from knots. For cider apple varieties like Bittenfelder or Brettacher, you often achieve €80 to €120 per cubic meter. Professional sorting before sale is worthwhile.