The conventional cultivation farm owned by Manfred Schöneck in Meckenheim - at 22 hectares - was taken over by organic farmer Hubert Bois and BioTropic from Duisburg. The farm is to become a biodynamically cultivation farm. "BioTropic is an importer of organic fruits and vegetables from overseas," says plant manager Sascha Suler: "With the investment in Meckenheim, we also want to actively convert and promote conventional agricultural land in Germany to organic farming. 
Changeover to Demeter
Before the takeover, conventional agriculture was still practiced on Manfred Schöneck's farm. In mid-2018, the conversion to biodynamic cultivation began. Unlike the state-owned organic label, which only has some minimum standards, the regulations for Demeter farmers are much stricter. For example, the whole operation has to be changed, as only biodynamic preparations made from herbs, minerals and cow dung can be used on the agricultural land.
Currently, apple varieties such as Delbar, Gala, Elstar, Pinova and Braeburn grow on 17 hectares of the Meckenheimer farm. New this year is the Topaz variety. Pear trees take up 5 hectares and varieties such as Conference and Alexander Lukas are cultivated there.
Organic pioneer of European demeter fruit growing
Manfred Schöneck will continue to work for the company. "We are very pleased that an experienced farmer with his expertise will remain," says Hubert Bois. Bois owns a Demeter vegetable and horticulture farm with attached farm shop in Meckenheim and is one of the organic pioneers of Demeter fruit growing in Europe.
For more information: www.biotropic.com