Dottenfelder Hof
Where Demeter farming and seed breeding shape the future
At a time when sustainable agriculture is becoming increasingly important, the Dottenfelder Hof in Bad Vilbel near Frankfurt is setting standards. As one of the best-known Demeter farms in Germany, it stands for agriculture that focuses on quality, diversity and sustainability. Its role in the breeding of organic seeds such as winter and spring wheat is particularly noteworthy.
What makes the Dottenfelder Hof so special?
The Dottenfelder Hof is more than just an organic farm: it is a living organism of agriculture, research, education and community. Biodynamic farming has been practiced here since the 1970s – according to the strict guidelines of the Demeter Association. On the farm, people work together in a farm community. Products are produced here from the field to the counter: fresh bread from the farm’s own bakery, cheese from the farm cheese dairy, vegetables from the organic market garden – all in consistent Demeter quality.
Seeds are the future
A particular focus of the Dottenfelder Hof is the breeding of stable seeds. In times of hybrid breeding and patented varieties, the farm relies on seeds that are freely available, reproducible and adapted to the conditions of organic farming. The in-house research and breeding work includes grains, vegetables and animal feed plants. The aim is to develop robust varieties that cope well with natural conditions – without any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Why this is important:
- Independence: Farmers should not be dependent on corporations
- Varietal diversity: Every new variety brings more diversity to the field and to the plate
- Climate adaptation: Regional breeding means adapting to local climate and soil conditions
We support the Zukunftsstiftung Landwirtschaft seed fund, which makes organic seed breeding possible on farms such as the Dottenfelder Hof. This fund specifically promotes the development of independent, organic seeds – for sustainable agriculture.
Demeter – more than just organic
The Demeter association stands for a particularly holistic form of organic farming. The focus is on the idea of the farm organism: animals, plants, people and soil form a unit. It is not just about avoiding chemicals, but about actively building up soil fertility, biodiversity and quality of life.
The processing of food is also subject to Demeter guidelines – for example in the cheese dairy or bakery on the Dottenfelder Hof. The work here is as natural as possible: without additives, without technical tricks, but with a lot of time and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The Dottenfelder Hof is an inspiring place that shows how sustainable agriculture can work in harmony with people and nature. With its consistent focus on Demeter principles, its own seed breeding with support from the Saatgutfonds by Zukunftsstiftung Landwirtschaft and its focus on education and transparency, it is a role model for a sustainable agricultural culture.
More information about Dottenfelder Hof can be found here.