DeE5 - Success in organic farming
North Rhine-Westphalia is the most populous federal state in Germany and the demand for organic produce is consistently rising. The distribution of natural food plays an important role in the development of organic markets. The two production facilities and the wholesaler Weiling (which is supplied by two production facilities) will display organic farming along the value chain.
Description of the region
West Münsterland is a region that is characterized by agriculture. In many parts of Münsterland the typical farming structure of small parcels has been preserved until today. Two thirds of the total surface are used for farming. With its milk, beef, pork and poultry production it is one of the biggest regions worldwide for meat processing. The share of ecologically sustainable operating businesses is comparably low in this region.
A passion for successful organic production
Paul Altfeld from Nordkirchen, Coesfeld district, was a pioneer in organic farming, when he fundamentally reorganised his pig and cattle farm in 1989. Since 2012, the farm is managed by his son Christoph who had successfully completed his studies in organic farming. Two flocks of milk cows and laying hens are the most significant business units. The cattle subsists on the greenland of the surrounding nature conservation. Extensive agriculture has favoured the development of an impressive biodiversity. The majority of the produced eggs is commercialised by the wholesaler Weiling in Coesfeld. For more information please visit www.altfeld.info.
A modern wholesaler for organic food
In 1975, Bernd Weiling founded the company for the catalogue sale of health products in Coesfeld. Now and then his inspiration has been the same: “Our commercial activities shall make an efficient contribution so that our descendants will still have the chance to live in a green and healthy environment.” Nowadays, Weiling is one of the major wholesalers for organic food in Germany, having two places of business in Coesfeld and Lonsee. By using blue chip technology it delivers more than 11,000 products to about 1,000 customers, i. e. regional farm shops. Recently, a high-bay warehouse was inaugurated in Coesfeld. For more information please visit www.weiling.de.
Cultivation of vegetables, farm shop and delivery service – a successful value chain
In 1993, the company which was recently founded as Loburg bioLesker KG in Stadtlohn, Borken district, in 2013, started as a small sideline business. Today, it combines three companies and manages the entire open air cultivation on a surface of currently 57 hectares, including about 30 hectares of vegetables. bioLesker’s horticultural business comprises all 1.5 hectares of greenhouse surfaces with 1.2 hectares of recently built, modern and fully heatable and controllable greenhouses. bioLesker KG distributes as many of its own products as possible via its farm shop and delivery service. All products are grown according to the strict guidelines of the organisation Bioland. A majority of the produce is delivered to the wholesaler Weiling. For more information please visit: www.biolesker.de.
Guide: Dr. Karl Kempkens, Agricultural Chamber of North Rhine-Westphalia