History of origin

Our chronicle offers an initial insight into the milestones that have made us what we are today. For a more in-depth experience of the history of the Brodowin eco-village, we recommend the chronicle celebrating the 25th anniversary of our farm. This is available in the farm store and via our online store.

Shortly after reunification, committed Brodowin residents meet to discuss the future of the LPG (agricultural production cooperative) and therefore also the future of the village. Many people from Brodowin had been employed by the LPG. Therefore, it was a matter of protecting nature and preserving important jobs. Together, the cooperative farmers decided to convert the LPG "8. Mai Brodowin" to an agricultural enterprise according to Demeter guidelines, the "Agrargenossenschaft Ökodorf Brodowin EG". Peter Krentz, who was to lead the company with great commitment for many years, was elected as the first chairman.

Through the mediation of Prof. Dr. Michael Succow and Pastor Rau from Brodowin, the Upmeier couple from Berlin became involved in Brodowin. They founded the ecovillage Brodowin in its current form and it is thanks to them that Brodowin was able to survive the difficult founding years both structurally and financially. The Upmeiers provided the ideas and creative minds behind many far-reaching decisions.

The first nature conservation projects are implemented with the planting of avenues, pollarded willows and fruit trees. The first hedges are also planted at the edge of the fields. This creates nesting sites and retreats for birds and thus supports the colonization of rare bird species.

The central LPG site is modernized and rebuilt, laying an important foundation for future growth. A preparation platform for the dynamization of water and stirring of preparations is built and a first small farm dairy is created. It is now possible to produce cheese and sell it in the farm store. Home-grown vegetables are also sold in the farm store.

A small truck drives the first Brodowin "eco-baskets" - crates of whole milk, freshly harvested vegetables and selected cheeses - to Berlin to deliver them to individual customers directly to their doorsteps. The Brodowin delivery service is born.

A new cattle shed is built.

The first farm festival, which is still celebrated annually today, takes place.

Hard to believe! The online store for our Brodowin products has been around for over 10 years.

The purchase of an oil press makes it possible to produce our own sunflower oil and linseed oil.

The first goat's milk is processed into fresh cheese.

Dipl.-Ing. agr. Ludolf von Maltzan becomes majority shareholder and managing director. He moves to Brodowin with his family.

Brodowin is a founding member of the "fair & regional" charter. A charter that promotes fair cooperation between organic entrepreneurs.

Inauguration of the first photovoltaic system.

The new glass dairy building is completed.

We start keeping chickens. First on the orchards around the company premises in Brodowin, later on a large green area in Serwest.

Establishment of the "Ökodorf Brodowin Gisela und Werner Upmeier Stiftung", a foundation for nature conservation, the environment and social issues. Since then, nature conservation projects in Brodowin have been specifically promoted. Many social projects are also supported.

In the Cistercian monastery of Chorin, the Brodowin-run monastery café is opened.

The keeping of brother cocks in our hen house is introduced. A cockerel is raised with every hen. You can find more information here.

A major fire on our farm destroys two barns with straw, fodder and machinery. Over 600 families and customers helped us to overcome the initial hardship and partially rebuild the buildings.

We celebrate our 25th anniversary at the Jubilee Hoffest.

King Charles III honors us with his visit. Together with Ludolf von Maltzan, he produces cheese in the glass dairy. Today, this cheese is not only delicious in taste but also a popular gift in the form of "Brodowiner Krone".

The story of the Brodowin ecovillage is far from over. We are at the beginning of a new chapter full of opportunities, changes and innovations. We look to the future with passion and determination. We are ready to take on the challenges of our time and continue to pursue our visions in organic farming.