An Intergenerational Dialogue―from 19 to 91―for a Peaceful Agriculture
On June 25 and 26, 2025, experts, young people, and interested individuals from numerous countries gathered at the Permaculture Park at Lebensgarten Steyerberg (PaLS) to exchange ideas about the principles and prospects of biocyclic vegan agriculture.
The seminar was held as a special event within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Summer Camp—an EU-funded program for young adults aged 19 to 29 from across Europe and around the world.
It was organised by the German Förderkreis Biozyklisch-Veganer Anbau e. V. (Association for the Promotion of Biocyclic-Vegan Agriculture) in collaboration with the internationally active Adolf Hoops Society gGmbH (Biocyclic Vegan International).
In addition to the ESC participants, a larger number of individuals specifically interested in biocyclic-vegan farming and the generation of biocyclic humus soil also registered for the seminar.
The program began with Alina Gieseke from the Association giving an introduction to the basic principles and benefits of biocyclic-vegan farming. Special emphasis was placed on the animal-ethical core of this approach: unlike other forms of organic farming, the biocyclic-vegan standard consistently excludes not only animal husbandry and animal-based fertilisers but also any form of animal exploitation. In doing so, it combines environmental and climate protection—as well as other sustainability goals—with a clear ethical commitment to compassion and nonviolence toward animals. This is a central unique feature of the approach.
Axel Anders then gave an overview of the history and international network of Biocyclic Vegan International. The roots of this approach date back to Adolf Hoops, who, as early as the 1950s, developed plant-based fertilisation strategies in organic farming on the Lüneburg Heath in Northern Germany, not far from Steyerberg. This pioneering work was later continued in Greece through collaboration with Dr. agr. Johannes Eisenbach—from there, the principles matured into today’s Biocyclic-Vegan Standard and returned to Germany as an internationally recognised organic standard (IFOAM Family of Standards).
Dr. agr. Johannes Eisenbach presented the latest findings on Biocyclic Humus Soil. By specifically promoting natural nutrient uptake through healthy soil life, robust and resilient plants emerge—with surprisingly high yields, entirely without the use of animal inputs. These developments open up new possibilities for a sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
A particularly moving moment was the greeting from Prof. Dr. Declan Kennedy, co-founder of Lebensgarten Steyerberg and one of the pioneers who brought permaculture to Germany and Europe in the 1980s. In his very personal speech, the now 91-year-old described his formative encounters with Adolf Hoops, who back then introduced him to initial cultivation ideas. That today—through the successful biocyclic-vegan certification of the Permaculture Park PaLS—these same ideas have once again taken root in Steyerberg was, for him, a deeply joyful moment:
“The circle has now beautifully closed.”
Another highlight was the talk by Bernward Geier, long-time advocate for organic agriculture and peace-related approaches. Using the project “From Arms to Farms” in the Philippines as an example, he demonstrated how organic farming can help overcome violent conflict—by eliminating hunger, fostering self-determination, and restoring human dignity. Geier especially emphasised the great potential of biocyclic-vegan agriculture as probably the most peaceful and nonviolent form of farming, as it completely avoids exploitation and killing of animals.
Special thanks went to Harald von Sehlen, coordinator of the Permaculture Park (PaLS), who not only enthusiastically supported the event as host but also, together with his team, provided an insightful look into the initial development of Biocyclic Humus Soil on site.
Thanks were also extended to the CAIA Academy team, who created the ideal setting at Lebensgarten with great dedication and provided excellent organic and wholesome vegan catering.
Conclusion of this Inspiring Event:
Through an intergenerational coming together of experienced organic pioneers and young participants from many countries, a vibrant exchange of knowledge, experience, and perspectives took place—a valuable impulse for a new form of agriculture that unites ecological responsibility with ethical consciousness, and can thus also contribute to peace-building.
This event was supported by the German Foundation “Nature in Life” (Stiftung Natur im Leben).
© Photos: Sam Eccles (1), Dr. Kerstin Anders