Germany
Gut Wulksfelde Farm

For decades the old merchant town of Hamburg has pursued a policy of buying up agricultural land inside and outside the city limits to be able to influence city development. In 1989/1994 the city opted for the conversion of three large estates in its ownership to organic farming.

Gut Wulksfelde Farm is one of those three farm estates. Over the years, it has developed as a large, multi-functional farm of 260 hectares. It produces grain, vegetables, cattle, hogs, geese and chicken. It employs about 50 people on the farm, and through on-farm activities: food processing (bakery), farm shop and educational activities.

The city’s support for the three estates consists mainly in offering long term (30-40 year) leases on favourable terms, and in investing in additional buildings. The farmers established their business as a limited company (GmbH).

Read more: a case study on Hamburg City estates, 2012

Scope of the initiative:: Single farm or site ; Regional ; National ; Local ; International

Types of activities: Land stewardship ; Support for farmers ; Policy/ advocacy ; Ethical finance ; Land acquisition/ ownership ; Public education ; Farming ; Awareness raising ; New entrants

Types of agriculture: CSA, AMAP, consumers co-operative ; Local supply chains ; Organic ; Peasant ; Biodynamic

Types of agricultural activities: Agriculture (plants) ; Mixed farming ; Breeding (animals)

Types of landowners: Other Land Trusts ; Ethical companies ; Other non-profit organisations ; Churches ; Public owners ; Private owners ; Commons ; Other ; Community Farm Land Trusts