The “Hofgemeinschaft Ratzenbergli”
The Ratzenbergli is a meaningful project centred around biodynamic agriculture and social participation of people with specific needs in the Bernese hilly landscapes. It grew from the will to put in place an agricultural project that is rooted in the local community and landscapes as well as in the current context of biodiversity loss and disconnection from the way food is produced. The place works around the steep hills that are pastured by rustic Rhaetic cows and sheep, of endangered breeds. This extensive management of the dry grasslands is very valuable for biodiversity and is financially supported by the Swiss confederation. The cattle is fed only with grass produced on the farm, with a small complement of beetroot paste in the winter. Grazing implies the production of milk and meat which is sold and used for example for yogurt and cheese making in the vicinity of the farm. The idea is to be self-sufficient and to produce in a circular way, and it works: everything that is used on the farm is local and there is even a part of the products (vegetables, flour for bread, dairy products) that is sold to the local community. The owners of the place also want to encourage social projects around the farm. For example, people with specific needs are a crucial part of the working people on the farm. There is also a willingness to make people from more urban areas discover the project, to improve knowledge and exchanges around food production in Switzerland. The owners insisted on the fact that there is an urgent need for reconnection between people and food production and that they want to - and can- be part of that process.
Source: ratzenbergli.ch/ (de)
What: We cultivate 20.4 hectares of land and 2 hectares of forest. We have 12 dairy cows with young cattle and calves, sheep, bees, chickens, ducks, three cats, and a dog. A wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers are cultivated in our 20a garden. More than 80 standard trees in the pastures are another important component of our farm's ecological diversity.The farm and garden offer meaningful workplaces for social therapy with three to five permanent and vacation positions for adults.
Who: We are the Verena and Benjamin Panter family with Mira, Kaja, Amrei, and Alma, and the Seraina and Christoph Houriet family with Noah, Maurin, and Valérie. Three adults with special needs currently live and work with us.
Where: Our Demeter farm is located at an altitude of 900 to 1000 meters above sea level, and most of the land is on slopes, 15 km away from Bern
When: All year round, since around 20 years
How: By considering agriculture and food production together with the social context
Transferability: Our example shows that such projects are possible in Switzerland and can be implemented in similar settings.
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