More and more people are buying organic products and attaching importance to the origin of their food. But where are these organic villages that produce our vegetables, fruit, and meat? Many people are unaware that one of the best-known places of this kind is closer to Berlin than one might think. Not only are there impressive spots such as the wildest nature reserve or the most water-rich place in Brandenburg in our vicinity, but also one of the largest organic villages in Germany. The Brodowin eco-village is a well-known organic farming project in Brandenburg and is considered one of the largest Demeter farms in the state.
It is located in the village of Brodowin, a district of the municipality of Chorin in the Barnim district, about 80 km northeast of Berlin in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve. Its history is closely linked to German reunification. During the GDR era, Brodowin was home to an LPG (agricultural production cooperative). After reunification, a group of former LPG members, scientists, and eco-pioneers took over the land. In 1991, the farm was officially founded and completely converted to organic farming. The goal was to create a model project for sustainable agriculture in eastern Germany. The name “eco-village” is somewhat misleading: it is not a classic alternative commune, but rather a large organic farm with village-like structures.
Photo: @oekodorfbrodowin / Instagram
The Ökodorf Brodowin farm is one of the largest biodynamic farms in Germany. With an agricultural area of around 1,200 to 2,400 hectares, it operates according to the Demeter guidelines for biodynamic agriculture and follows the cycle principle: soil – plants – animals – people. The farm has around 150 dairy cows, around 250 dairy goats, and around 2,400 laying hens. In addition, vegetables and grain are grown on large fields. Typical products include milk and cheese, eggs, vegetables and fruit, meat and sausage, as well as honey, herbs, and juices. Many of these products are delivered directly to Berlin and Brandenburg in organic boxes.
The eco-village is considered a demonstration farm for organic agriculture. Important principles include crop rotation and green manure for soil care, the avoidance of chemical synthetic pesticides, species-appropriate animal husbandry, and the promotion of biodiversity, for example through habitats for birds and insects. The project is therefore considered an example of how organic agriculture can also be economically successful.