Germany
Kulturland eG

Kulturland cooperative encourages supporters of community connected organic farms to sign shares or give an additional loans. With this money it buys up farmland and leases it to the farmers on a long term basis. Kulturland is an upscaling of 40 years of experiences with not-for-profit farm ownership associations in Germany. The new elements are the use of share capital in addition to donated capital; a professional management structure; and a multi-farm approach in form of a nationwide umbrella with regional branches.
In the lease contracts we grant everlasting security of tenancy subject to three conditions:

• organic farming (EU standard)
• 10% biodiversity elements
• two out of the following six possible activities of community connection:
  local or regional marketing; pedagogical activities; farming endangered breeds/varieties; access for the public / guided tours; cultural events and working with handicapped persons.

A cooperative shares is 500 €. There is no interest. After a minimum of 5 years, members can withdraw their shares annually on 6 months’ notice. Loans can be secured by a land registry charge.

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

Geographical scope: National

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