Frankenhausen domain celebrates 25th anniversary as an experimental estate

The Frankenhausen state domain is the University of Kassel's teaching and experimental farm for organic farming and sustainable regional development as well as a demonstration farm - also known as a "transparent farm". This means that "it is a model for ecologically, economically and socially sustainable management in the region," explains Prof. Dr. Miriam Athmann, Head of the Department of Organic Agriculture and Crop Production and Scientific Director of the Frankenhausen Estate. The domain is integrated into university research and teaching and at the same time made accessible to the interested public. "It thus stands for research, teaching, practice and transfer in areas such as food security, climate protection, environmentally friendly material cycles and biodiversity conservation."

The 320-hectare (ha) farm has now been leased by the university for 25 years and is managed in accordance with organic farming guidelines. "The fundamental principles of organic farming - health, ecology, justice and care - have guided the concept of the domain from the very beginning. Today, this concept has been implemented in a comprehensive manner," emphasizes Athmann. The focus in Frankenhausen is on optimizing the resource-conserving production of healthy food while integrating nature conservation goals, testing alternative energy concepts and creating socially responsible jobs. The spectrum of research ranges from scientific and technical to socio-ecological and socio-economic topics.

The estate is home to 100 dairy cows - and three breeding bulls. 23 employees and two trainees work on the farm, while a further three employees are involved in field trials. And the arable land in Frankenhausen is impressive. For example, carrots are grown on 24 hectares and potatoes on 32 hectares. In addition, 20 hectares of the domain are nature conservation areas and 4 hectares are used as flower strips to promote local biodiversity.

The domain is celebrating its 25th anniversary and invites you to a farm festival on Sunday, July 2, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm festival is taking place for the ninth time. More than 4,000 visitors are expected.

A colorful program offers great entertainment for young and old: live music, goat trekking, round trips with the Bimmelbahn, a straw castle and other hands-on activities for children, short films in the cinema barn as well as farm tours or ornithological tours will bring the inner courtyard of the domain and the adjacent park to life.

In addition, over 35 exhibitors will be taking part in the festival - so anyone interested can find out about regional and national players in organic farming. The University - in particular the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, the Institute of Biology and the Tropical Greenhouse from Witzenhausen - will also be presenting its research and commitment to biodiversity. Regional delicacies will provide for the physical well-being: for example, there will be organic bratwurst from the domain, but also vegetarian and vegan options such as grilled cheese or lentil roasts as well as coffee and cake. Of course, the wide range of organic food from regional producers will also be available to buy directly on site. The farm festival is open to everyone and admission is free.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Miriam Athmann
Scientific Director of Domäne Frankenhausen,
FB 11 - Head of Department "Organic Agriculture and Crop Production"
Phone: +49 5542 98 1587
Email: m.athmann[at]uni-kassel[dot]de