In the heart of Brandenburg, Germany, lies the story of Benedikt Bösel, a visionary farmer who embarked on a journey to transform his family farm into a beacon of regenerative agriculture. 

After studying economics in the UK and spending three years in the banking industry, Benedikt realized his true passion lay in the fields of his family farm. However, his initial vision of relying heavily on technology quickly gave way to a deeper understanding of the importance of soil health and ecosystem vitality. Recognizing the dire state of the land and the need for a radical shift in farming practices, Benedikt embarked on a quest for knowledge and collaboration.

Through relentless outreach and collaboration, Benedikt connected with pioneers in agroecology, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture. Armed with newfound knowledge and a deep sense of purpose, he set out to implement regenerative practices on his 550-hectare arable operation. With a focus on composting, holistic grazing, and diverse cover cropping, Gut & Bösel became a living laboratory for soil regeneration and ecosystem resilience.

Central to Gut & Bösel's approach is the integration of agroforestry and forest conversion. Inspired by Ernst Götsch and the principles of syntropic agroforestry, Benedikt and his team are experimenting with diverse tree species and planting techniques to create resilient, multifunctional landscapes. By transforming monoculture forests into biodiverse ecosystems, Benedikt aims to restore balance to the land while sequestering carbon and enhancing biodiversity.

At the core of Gut & Bösel's philosophy is the belief in the symbiotic relationship between livestock and land. Through holistic grazing practices, their Salers and Angus herd play a vital role in soil regeneration and biodiversity promotion. By mimicking natural grazing patterns and allowing for ample recovery time, Gut & Bösel ensures the health of both pasture and soil, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of abundance.

Compost serves as the lifeblood of the farm’s soil regeneration efforts. By utilizing a wide variety of organic waste materials, they produce nutrient-rich compost that nourishes the land and fosters biodiversity. From their tree nursery to agroforestry plots, compost plays a pivotal role in enhancing soil health and ecosystem resilience.

As Benedikt and his team continue to pioneer regenerative agriculture, their vision extends beyond their own farm gates. Through collaboration with universities and research institutes, they aim to share their knowledge and experience with fellow farmers around the world. By demonstrating the economic, ecological, and social benefits of regenerative practices, Gut & Bösel seeks to inspire a global movement towards a more sustainable and resilient food system.

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This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action by financially rewarding farmers who enhance soil health. 

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Raphaël

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