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A cooperative model saves Hof Grummersort from loss!
The Grummersort farm community in Oldenburg secures its future and the preservation of arable land through cooperative shares.
A cooperative model saves Hof Grummersort from loss!
In the tranquil Oldenburg district, the Grummersort farm community is facing a crucial challenge. The community was at risk of losing ten hectares of its leased land after it was revealed that a lease was to be sold. The purchase price of 660,000 euros turned out to be an insurmountable hurdle for the farm community as the financial resources could not be raised. But now there are glimmers of hope. The solution is an innovative cooperative model that could enable the community to secure valuable fields. This reports nwzonline.de.
The cooperative shares have been in circulation since May, and the numbers speak for themselves: 75 percent of the purchase price is already guaranteed by these shares. Now only 25 percent is missing, which must be raised by the end of the year. Eike Frahm, the operations manager, is optimistic that the community can raise the missing funds in the coming months. The proximity to the region benefits the initiative, with many shareholders coming from the surrounding area. Even the employees of the farm community are courageously taking action and securing shares.
Community solutions
A significant partner in this matter is Kulturland eG, which was brought in to support land security. With its commitment, Kulturland brings cooperative shares into play for 500 euros each and takes over a large part of the bureaucracy. The structure not only gives shareholders a say, but they effectively become co-owners of the farmland. Kulturland buys the area to lease to the farm, which is a win-win situation.
Investing in cooperative shares is not a frivolous business. “It’s not about financial benefits, but rather a clear sign of sustainable agriculture,” says Frahm. This approach is underpinned by the farm's Demeter certification. The company offers a variety of products that are marketed at weekly markets and through its own farm shop. There is also a Solidarity Agriculture (Solawi) Oldenburg with currently 160 member households, which offers additional support.
The way into the future
The Grummersort farm community has been cultivating a large part of its soil biodynamically for over 40 years. The main areas are used for growing vegetables and grains, with a total of 100 hectares under cultivation. Eike Frahm also expresses concerns: “If we lose these fields, we would have to lease new land from conventional agriculture.” There is currently no plan B - but confidence in the success of the cooperative model remains robust.
In summary, it can be said that the farm community is in a critical phase that brings with it both challenges and opportunities. The idea of community is very important in this initiative, and the hope for positive development remains alive. With combined forces and the support of the region, it could be possible to preserve this piece of agricultural tradition and at the same time set an example for sustainable agriculture.