Hochwald presented its Future Award for the first time this year as part of the Milk Future Forum. The cooperative has created the award to recognise producers’ commitment to sustainable solutions relating to climate, animal welfare and social issues. One of the aims behind the award is to raise public awareness of the innovative strength of Hochwald’s members and their responsible use of resources.
The 2024 Future Award goes to the farm belonging to the Kröll and Drescher families, which is located in Bremscheid, in the district of Neuwied. The families have developed a dedicated line of business for public engagement with their farm called ‘Westerwälder Rinderspaß’ (Westerwald Cattle Fun). Tours, summer holiday activities, Easter and Halloween events as well as summer fairs and birthday celebrations attract young and old to the farm. Rounding off the concept is a farm shop with its own merchandise. The judges were particularly impressed by the ‘Westerwälder Rinderspaß’ concept as it provides people with a connection to the everyday food they encounter. As well as this, the concept also incorporates a sustainable economic aspect and, as a small business, contributes to the farm’s income.
In her presentation speech, Silke Gorißen, Minister for Agriculture and Consumer Protection for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasised the need for productive agriculture: ‘To achieve this, farms need planning security along the entire value chain as well as the necessary freedom to make entrepreneurial decisions – only then can a cooperative like Hochwald Milch eG pay its members a producer price in line with the average price of German industry leaders. This is fair and sustainable.’
The minister was particularly pleased to present the first Hochwald Future Award to the Kröll-Drescher farm: ‘Through its “Westerwälder Rinderspaß” campaign, this family-run business has managed to make farming a tangible experience for young and old and to promote our local agriculture. Thank you for this and congratulations!’
Presentation of the inaugural Hochwald Future Prize took place as part of the 7th Hochwald Future Forum. Every two years, the cooperative invites its members to present, discuss and debate future-focused developments. This year’s subjects included new ways of life and our food of tomorrow (speaker: Daniel Anthes), business success and quality of life in farming (speaker: Eckart Schlamann) and sustainability in agricultural financing (speaker: Olaf Oertzen).
‘Hochwald is well equipped for future developments thanks to its member companies,’ says Peter Manderfeld, Chairman of the Executive Board at Hochwald Milch eG. ‘Last year, we laid out our strategy and necessary measures in our “Prepared for tomorrow” vision. It’s a plan of action that is bearing fruit and proves once again that the dairy industry in Germany has a bright future,’ says Detlef Latka, Managing Director at Hochwald Foods GmbH.
Information about the Hochwald Future Award:
Hochwald is proud of farmers in the cooperative who are finding future-focused solutions for the farming of tomorrow. The Hochwald Future Award has been launched to honour the innovative strength of its members and make it visible to the outside world. This year saw a total of eight farms and one initiative comprising several farms nominated. A panel of judges selected the 2024 award winner. Silke Gorißen, Minister for Agriculture and Consumer Protection for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, praised the award winners for their sustainable concept.
Contact:
Kathrin Lorenz
Corporate Communications Hochwald Foods
Phone: +49 6504 12-5129
Email: k.lorenz@hochwald.de
