Definition, cost and production

What is meant by "Solidarity Agriculture"

In Germany there are now over 100 of these solidarity farms. The principle is very simple:

• A farm or a nursery supplies a certain number of households in the region with food.
• The community bears all production costs, which include producers' wages, rent, machinery and supplies.
• Collectively, those involved not only share harvests and costs, but also the associated production risk.

The concept promotes appreciation between consumers and producers. Unlike with an organic box, you cannot cancel the harvest portion when you go on vacation and then order again. This principle gives the producers planning security for a whole year.

In contrast to a self-harvest field or in the vegetable garden, you do not necessarily have to be active yourself, because the work is done by the farmers or gardeners. If you wish, you can, however, take part in jointly organized work assignments at many SoLaWis.

What does membership cost?

Each member pays a fixed fee for one harvest unit, which is currently usually between 50 and 100 EUR. This is based on the planned annual costs.

In many communities there is also solidarity in dealing with financially disadvantaged members, who often only have to pay a reduced membership fee. This is offset by higher payments from those who are able to.

In return, regardless of the actual market value, you will receive a weekly share of the harvest. The amount depends on the season. In summer it can be significantly more than you would get in the supermarket for the same money, in winter less.

What is being produced?

Many solidarity farms rely on a wide range of products, which is also very sensible from an ecological point of view. Through a varied Crop rotation the floor is protected. This is more labor-intensive, but since it does not have to be produced at the best possible price, farmers are not forced to specialize in two or three types of vegetables.

Producers and members jointly vote on what is grown. However, the final decision rests with the producers.

How are the products distributed?

The consumer community organizes the distribution of the food. Depending on the region, the products can be picked up directly from the farm on a weekly basis or distributed via pick-up stations and organic boxes.