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XtraBlatt Issue 01-2018

  • Text
  • Machinery
  • Krone
  • Forage
  • Silage
  • Maize
  • Menschen
  • Farmers
  • Contractor
  • Agricultural
  • Dairy

MENSCHEN ON-FARM RUBRIK

MENSCHEN ON-FARM RUBRIK Lebensgemeinschaft e.V. Münzinghof THE CYCLE OF LI One village, around 160 inhabitants, some requiring help, others not, eight community units and ten workshops. This is the Münzinghof Lebensgemeinschaft or community. Included is a farm managed according to Demeter biodynamic principles by Peter Blancke. His aim is a closed economic cycle and therefore a good portion of self-sufficiency: an exciting example of successful inclusion and of “organic” and “modern” in farming not necessarily being contradictory. 26

FE Baling of hay and straw at Münzinghof is by regional organic farmers who also do some contracting work. 1 nity this year celebrating its 40th anniversary. Inhabitants number around 160 including people with special needs. Ten places of work offer employment: a cheese plant, bakery, market garden, housework centre, a joinery, a maintenance office, metalwork shop – as well as handbag and candle making enterprises. Every workshop is managed by a certified master craftsperson, some of whom live regionally, some actually staying in the community. But let’s not forget the farm with its numerous buildings: this forms part of the heart of the community. Those seeking the Münzinghof community in the district of Velden discover the farm nestling in beautiful countryside on the north-eastern tip of Nürnberg Land. The route takes us through Franconia into the Oberpfalz, winding along narrow roads from medieval Amberg with the rushing river Pegnitz on one side and sometimes very steep mountainsides rearing up on the other. A final stretch of forest, a last row of hills, then the eye falls upon a small cluster of houses – the farming community of Münzinghof. This isn’t simply just another rural hamlet, however. Firstly, all the buildings belong to the Lebensgemeinschaft e.V. Münzinghof, a type of special needs commu- “Everyone here can work at what they want to and what they’re able to”, explains Peter Blancke. This agricultural graduate has managed the farm for 15 years and lives with his family, as well as seven special needs residents, in the “farmhouse”, parts of which are much more than 40 years old. Eight such houses with family groups make up the living quarters, with several smaller flats for young and old in other buildings. “Very important to us is establishment of an equal opportunities society within which people, some of whom might need assistance, can live together. This differentiates us from other facilities”, points out the manager. Incidentally, he finds descriptions of people such as “disabled” or “handicapped” less than helpful and prefers the formulation “with special needs”. 27