A single strawberry: an arrangement of red, sweet delight
Hof Kaemena's Blühwiesen Project: A New Focus for Retiring Strawberry Farmer
After a four-decade career in strawberry farming, Hajo Kaemena, the sole strawberry farmer in Bremen, is retiring. However, his retirement does not mark the end of agriculture on Hof Kaemena. Instead, Kaemena is shifting his focus to the Blühwiesen project, a biodiversity-focused initiative he has been running for six years[1][2].
The Blühwiesen project aims to promote species protection and biodiversity by transforming former agricultural land, such as old strawberry fields, into flowering meadows that provide habitats and food sources for various insects, including bees and butterflies[1][2]. This project goes beyond typical flower strips, which often have limited ecological impact, by establishing more effective and diverse floral areas to better support species richness and ecological balance[2].
The Blühwiesen project contributes to species protection and biodiversity by creating flowering meadows that serve as habitats for pollinators and other beneficial insects. These insect populations, in turn, sustain broader biodiversity through pollination services[3]. The project, accompanied by a biologist, attracts new species, and Kaemena mentions that probably horses will graze on the field after the harvest.
The decision to retire was less for Kaemena and his wife and more for the next generation, as their children have decided not to take over the farm. The strawberry farm is having a busy last day amidst the summer holidays, with children running between the plants, occasionally sneaking strawberries. The varieties grown include "Glorielle", "Polka", "Malwina", and "Korona", which are special and designed for taste, not transport.
Regional farming does not receive enough support, making it difficult to compete with cheap competition from Spain. Climate change is another issue, as it makes planning for the summer difficult due to unpredictable weather conditions. Despite these challenges, Kaemena believes that the problems in strawberry farming run deeper, mainly due to political decisions. He is concerned about the uncertain future that climate change and political decisions present for agriculture.
In the face of these challenges, Kaemena remains optimistic about the Blühwiesen project. After the strawberry harvest, the field will be plowed, and the project will continue to flourish, contributing to species protection and biodiversity in the region.
[1] Blühwiesen: A Biodiversity Project in Bremen. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.bremen.de/bremen/themen/umwelt/natur/bluhwiesen.html
[2] Blühwiesen: A Success Story in Biodiversity Conservation. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02385-7
[3] The Importance of Insects for Biodiversity. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10215
In his retirement, Hajo Kaemena will focus on the Blühwiesen project, a lifestyle choice that extends beyond agriculture to promote biodiversity by transforming former strawberry fields into flourishing food sources for pollinators and other insects, thereby contributing to food-and-drink and home-and-garden ecosystems. The Blühwiesen project, despite challenges faced by regional farming, promises to thrive, adding a unique dimension to the sports and leisure choices available in Bremen.
