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Tradition meets future: Heiligenseer family relies on organic farming!
The Zorn family celebrated 123 years of farming in Heiligensee with a festive field festival, emphasizing organic farming methods and sustainability.
Tradition meets future: Heiligenseer family relies on organic farming!
In the picturesque Heiligensee, a district of Reinickendorf, the heart of agriculture beats in the Zorn family. The family has been cultivating their land for a proud 123 years, and it is clear that the Zorn brothers have a good hand in the future of agriculture. Last weekend the farm celebrated a happy “field festival” that not only upheld tradition, but also celebrated the new focus on organic farming. District Mayor Emine Demirbüken-Wegner (CDU) stopped by the festival, took a tour of the courtyard and linked the view of rural life with the urban concerns of Cologne city residents.
The festival's supporting program invited children to play and have fun and offered interesting lectures and hands-on activities organized by Futurium. Delicious grilled specialties from Heiligenseer Weiderind and refreshing drinks, which the visitors enjoyed, ensured their physical well-being.
Sustainable agriculture in focus
The Zorn family has decided to farm their farm organically since 2023. The decision was not easy because it did not use mineral fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Instead, they rely on mechanical weed control and have purchased the necessary equipment for this. Their conviction is clear: organic farming is not just a trend, but the future. Because it not only takes into account the environment, but also the future generations who will find the farm a basis for a sustainable life.
The farm supplies at least 85 cattle with feed from their own cultivation - this means that the family not only pays attention to their animals, but also to the quality of the food produced. In winter, providing the animals with water is a challenging task as they rely on well water. However, the Zorn brothers accept these physical efforts because they know how important animal welfare is.
Urban agriculture and biodiversity
The Zorn family's example is part of a larger trend visible in urban agriculture. The role of this agriculture in climate protection should not be underestimated. A current agricultural report shows how important sustainable farming methods are to promote biodiversity. Green oases are created in densely populated areas that not only improve the quality of life of city residents, but can also significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. Concepts such as urban gardens and permaculture cultivation methods are at the center of these new agricultural policy strategies, which are also important for Cologne.
The sustainable circular economy concepts that are promoted here make a significant contribution to improving soil balance and maintaining fertility. Ultimately, avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides is a healthy and conscious choice – exactly what the modern consumer wants.
The message is clear: The Zorn family and many other organically certified businesses are making their contribution to a better environment. They not only provide us with fresh, regional vegetables and meat, but step by step they set new standards for the agriculture of tomorrow. A path that all agricultural businesses in Cologne and beyond should consider in order to work together towards a sustainable future.
In times like these, the focus is not only on business, but also on the well-being of our environment. According to the motto: There's something going on - on every street in Cologne and on every farm!
Further information on sustainable agriculture and its benefits can be found in the reports from Berlin.de, imticker.ch as well as the insights of the FiBL.