From where we can learn? - COMMUNITY FARM
German Kleingarten (Schrebergarten)
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The main form of urban agriculture in German is citizen farms, that is, the government or farmers rent out farmland located in cities or suburbs to urban residents for the purpose of planting flowers, vegetables, fruit trees or operating family farming. Its main purpose is to allow citizens to experience the process of agricultural production and management and enjoy the pleasure of farming. Because the Kleingarten caters to people’s needs for returning to nature, leisure experience and obtaining safe food, it is welcomed by urban residents.
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Main approach Township or county governments provide public land or lease land to farmers, and then lease it to urban residents who do not have agricultural land to cultivate and experience agriculture. The tenants shall apply according to the conditions announced by the government. The Tenant has entered into leases with the Government for a period of 25 to 30 years, and a management committee will be formed by the Tenant to take charge of the management of the Kleingarten. The annual rent of the Lessee shall be DM150 per person, and the annual dues of DM50 to the Management Committee of the Legal Person shall be used as the public affairs and environmental maintenance expenses of the Management Committee. At the same time, each Lessee shall be required to do at least one hour of voluntary labour per person per year to clean up the environment of the Park. It is up to the lessee to plant flowers, grass, fruits, vegetables, or yard operations in the citizen farm, but the products cannot be sold and can only be distributed to relatives and friends for consumption. Five functions of the citizen farm: • Provide the pleasure of experiencing farming; • Provide healthy and self-sufficient food; • Provide places for leisure, entertainment and social interaction; 82
Provide a natural, green and beautified green environment; Provide the best place for retirees or the elderly to spend their time.
Kleingartenanlage in Munich, photo taken from the Olympiaturm / Source: Dan Mihai Pitea via Wikipedia
Crates used for the cultivation of different spices, fruits and vegetables, commonly used in community farms.
/ Source: Shan X., 2010.
