The SOFAR project partners recently had the pleasure of visiting Kristin Becker’s farm in Bavaria, Germany. This visit highlighted the innovative and impactful programs offered at the farm, particularly focusing on the „Erlebnis Bauernhof“ (Farm Experience) for school children and „Auszeithöfe für Senioren, Demenzkranke und pflegende Angehörige“ (Time-out Farms for Seniors, Dementia Patients, and Caregivers).
Erlebnis Bauernhof: Educating the Young
Launched in 2012, the „Erlebnis Bauernhof“ program is a collaborative effort between the Bavarian Ministry of Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the Ministry of Education. It aims to bridge the gap between children and agriculture, providing a hands-on learning experience about farming practices and food production. The program is fully funded by the Bavarian state, offering free participation for school classes while compensating farmers €220 for each three-hour session.
Kristin Becker, one of the participating farmers, shared her motivations for joining the program. She observed that many children, even those from rural areas, had little knowledge about agriculture. This realization, coupled with requests from local kindergartens, led her to undertake a 13-day training seminar. The seminar equipped her with skills in program development, communication, marketing, and operational management, ensuring a high-quality experience for the visitors.
I recognized that many pupils don´t know anything about agriculture and farming, even the pupils of our little village where still some farmers exist. Groups of our village kindergarden asked to visist our farm, so I decided to take part in the seminar of our offical consultance. It is a seminar which lasts 13 days and I was educated to create a program for different target groups and even more, how to communicate, how do calculate, how to reach the target groups, how to do marketing, which requested insurances and so on.
Auszeithöfe: Farm Support for Seniors and Caregivers
In 2023, the union for social farming (Verein Soziale Landwirtschaft Bayern e.V.) initiated the „Auszeithöfe“ program. This initiative caters to seniors, dementia patients, and their caregivers, offering them a serene environment to relax and share experiences. Currently, 36 farmers in Bavaria are involved in this program, receiving €160 for each half-hour session, with additional funding for support staff. Participants can enjoy a coffee break or snack at their own expense, adding a personal touch to their visit.
Kristin Becker also offers this program on her farm, noting the joy she finds in engaging with elderly visitors. She appreciates the opportunity to provide them with meaningful experiences, further diversifying her farm’s outreach.
Especially when I guided groups of the cruise ship, I noticed, that I also like to guide elderly people. So I offered also programs for seniors, people suffering from dementia and their care people. This is the program called „Auszeithöfe“.
I like to offer my experience tours to children from the kindergarden, pupils ofdifferent ages and seniors and ill people. The program for pupils is paid by the Bavarian state. For 3 hours I get 220 Euro. The program for the seniors is paid by the Union for Social Farming which gets funds from the Bavarian state. For a program of half an hour I get 160 Euro and 20 Euro for a person who helps me.
Balancing Farm Work and Community Engagement
Managing the educational visits alongside traditional farm work is no small feat. Kristin highlights the importance of coordination with her family, particularly her husband and son, who now owns and operates the farm. The scheduling of visits is a collaborative effort, ensuring that farm operations continue smoothly. For Kristin, interacting with visitors is a refreshing break from the routine of farming, offering a chance to share her knowledge and passion for agriculture.
I like to talk to people different ages and demonstrate them how agriculture and producing food work. which challenges exist and how we manage it. For me being engaged in a program it is relaxing and a compensation to farm work. I can switch off from the challenges and problems of farming and even family problems.
I have to manage the timetable with my husband and son who is already the owner and entrepreneur of our farm. We talk about the dates and find compromises.
A Model for Community-Oriented Farming
The visit by the SOFAR project partners underscored the success and potential of integrating educational and therapeutic programs into farming. Kristin Becker’s farm serves as an exemplary model, demonstrating how farmers can diversify their roles to include educators and community supporters. These programs not only enhance public understanding of agriculture but also provide vital services to vulnerable groups in society.