The largest lavender field of southern Germany: a jewel in Dorfen!

The largest lavender field of southern Germany: a jewel in Dorfen!

between the flowering lavender and bright sunshine develops a very special project in Adlstrass, not far from Dorfen. Here the largest lavender field of southern Germany extends over a proud 3.3 hectares. Farmer Matthias Tafelmeier had a total of 80,000 wildlavender plants set in 2019, which now offer a valuable ecological area. Süddeutsche Zeitung reports of the colorful variety of wild bees, butterflies and other living things that attract this beautiful area.

The flowers of the lavender are used to produce lavender water and lavender oil that sells Tafelmeier in his farm shop. "It's not a big business for me, rather a niche product," he emphasizes. But a market that is becoming increasingly popular. The farmer, who has taken on his parents' company, sees his lavender cultivation an answer to the dry summer and has deliberately chose wild lavender, which is more robust and less susceptible to pests.

ecological cultivation and challenges

In the middle of the floral splendor, however, there are also some challenges. The game parking and the legacies of the visitors are a problem. Tafelmeier has therefore announced that it would make clear rules of conduct. Parking is prohibited on access roads and the visitors are pointed out that dogs are not allowed in the field to protect the lavender. He sees compliance with these rules a form of appreciation for his work and as an important protection for the ecosystem.

While Tafelmeier shares his experiences and products, other projects such as the pilot project in Upper Lusatia show that the lavender cultivation is becoming increasingly interesting in other regions. Here it is worked under the name "Lavender cultivation in Oberlausitz" on a sustainable cultivation without crop protection and fertilizers. There, too, the income is promising, whereby the funding from the State Ministry for the Environment and Agriculture is decisive.

promotion of biodiversity

Another exciting project is Lawita, which was launched in Thuringia. The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt examines how lavender cultivation can contribute to promoting biodiversity in agriculture. The results show that the lavender not only offers solutions economically, but also ecologically- this is particularly important because many types of bees and bumblebee are threatened in Germany. The German Federal Foundation Environment emphasizes that the cultivation in Thuringia has a positive effect on species diversity and also focuses on sustainable agriculture.

The booming lavender cultivation in Adlstrass and elsewhere proves that with a good hand and a clear concept not only creates ecologically valuable areas, but also a place that attracts people and contributes to the formation of consciousness. Matthias Tafelmeier also sees the flowering period as an opportunity for the public, nature and agriculture - and without any major commercial intentions.