Ökodorf Brodowin gives up cows: the climbing of oat milk begins!

Ökodorf Brodowin gives up cows: the climbing of oat milk begins!

The Okodorf Brodowin, which was created in 1991 from an agricultural production cooperative, is faced with considerable economic challenges. The managing director Ludolf von Maltzan announced that the company handed in its cows because dairy farming was no longer profitable. A year ago, the 250 goats were sold, which were previously used for the production of goat milk. One reason for this decision is the boom of herbal milk, especially oat milk, which contributes to falling demand for conventional cow's milk. The per capita consumption of milk substitute products has more than doubled between 2018 and 2022, and oat milk is now almost two thirds of sales in this segment. This development is particularly striking because the consumption of cow's milk has dropped to the lowest level since 1991. rbb24 reports that the organic village of Brodowin is already producing oat milk, but to a small extent.

In 2023, King Charles III visited. The eco -village shortly before its coronation. During his visit, he helped to produce cheese, with the milk from the goats and cows in the ecodorf. This top -class visit illustrated the importance of the ecodorf in regional agriculture and focus on sustainable practices. However, the economic difficulties that are reinforced by increasing costs for energy and water require adjustments in the operating model. The Berliner Kurier reports that the organic village has already responded to the trend towards vegan milk, whose sales in Germany increase between 2020 and 2023 And the mark of 600 million euros in turnover exceeds.

Germany is considered the most active market for plant milk alternatives in Europe. A study by the University of Hohenheim shows that the turnover of plant milk and dairy replacement products has risen by 49 percent by 49 percent. This development is also reflected in the consumer preferences, which, due to aspects such as animal welfare, health and the environment, tend more into herbal alternatives. Vegetarians and vegans therefore consume vegetable products 34 percent more often. Nevertheless, the acceptance of these new products varies in different European countries, with different demands on taste and texture.

Finally, it can be seen that the Brodowin ecodorf with its strategic adjustments with regard to the changed demand situation for dairy products will try to re -position itself. The commitment to sustainable agriculture remains a central element of the corporate strategy.