The Model Farm

The model farm at Angereds Gård is a small-scale, organic vegetable farm whose aim is to produce food and offer education. Starting in spring 2019, vegetable cultivation will grow according to the principles of a Market Garden. We work with fixed beds and simple implements, using techniques for bio-intensive cultivation and seasonal extension. At the disposal of the cultivation is an area of ​​approximately 2500 sqm, previously used as a calf meadow. During year 1, we will start planting and growing in about 40 beds, 20 × 0.75m, at the same time as we set up irrigation systems, build a washing and packing station, mount two poly tunnels and more. Our vegetables will be delivered without intermediaries to municipal pre-schools and schools in the immediate area.

The project started at the turn of the year 2019 and will be developed according to the conditions on the site in terms of, for example, climate and soil, but also in relation to our collaborative partners Naturbruksförvaltningen (VGR) and Folkhögskolan in Angered. The development is also related to the opportunities and limitations that a municipal-driven project offers.

The Model Farm is one of four case studies conducted in Gothenburg, linked to the three-year EU project SATURN. SATURN is financed via Climate-KIC and is run by the City of Gothenburg in collaboration with the cities of Trento and Birmingham. The case study linked to the “Model culture” drives a number of issues:

Urban farmer employed by the city

Is it better for the City of Gothenburg to pay an urban farmers salary and produce vegetables on the Model farm instead of buying vegetables from an external supplier? How does the Model Farm function as an engine to generate more new urban farmers? Can the Model Farm function as a hub for the functions “see, feel, learn” together with the three other case studies in the project: Incubator, Testbed and LAB 190? What added value comes in the form of educational opportunities for elementary school students and future urban farmers? Does the Model Farm contribute to the sustainable use of part of the municipality’s land reserve and reuse of cultivation-related materials such as compost from the municipality’s various units?

Mission

The Model Farm is a highly productive small scale farm unit, providing food and education.

Vision

By showcasing both the farming and business model behind a sustainable and sucessfull small scale farming enterprise, the Model Farm will serve as a driver for the integration of regenerative farming practices in the continous evolution of urban and rural multifunctional landscapes.

Responsible for The Model Farm is Klara Hansson, project manager, grower and gardener, who previously worked at Earthculture Farm and Botanical Garden, among others.

SATURN Climate-KIC

https://www.vgregion.se/f/naturbruk