1972-1978 the origin
The Carstens family has owned the Westhof farm since 1972. Rainer Carstens took over the farm in 1978. At that time he cultivated his own land of 60 ha and additionally leased agricultural land in the vicinity. His property was a medium-sized, conventionally operating farm in Dithmarschen. Mainly wheat, sugar beets and potatoes were cultivated. Some of the harvest was sold directly from the farm to the consumers.
Sustainable management is important to us. We want to maintain and improve soil fertility for the next generations and ensure food production.
1989 CONVERSION TO ORGANIC FARMING
In 1989, Rainer Carstens converted to organic farming. He became more and more aware of how important healthy food and sustainable management are. Not only to maintain and improve soil fertility for the next generations but also to ensure food production.
Rainer Carstens wanted to minimize the waste of resources as well as pollution resulting from production and use of conventional pesticides and fertilizers. To demonstrate his responsibility towards organic farming guidelines, he joined the Bioland Association for organic-biological production.
1992 THE FIRST ORGANIC PRODUCTS
In the following years Rainer Carstens specialized in producing organic vegetables. The fast-growing demands for organic vegetables could not be completely met by the Westhof-grown vegetables, hence Rainer Carstens started to sell organic vegetables from neighbouring farms.
1998 FOUNDATION OF THE ORGANIC FREEZING COMPANY
2000 FOUNDATION OF THE ORGANIC TRADE COMPANY
In 2000, the Westhof GmbH was established in order to prepare the fresh vegetables for the retailer. The same company is now called Westhof Bio-Gemüse GmbH & Co. KG.
We produce not only residue-free according to Bioland standards, but we also adopt resource-saving and climate-friendly cultivation techniques.
2002 FOUNDATION OF BIO GbR
2010 FOUNDATION OF WESTHOF ENERGIE
2011 FOUNDATION OF THE ORGANIC GREENHOUSE AND BIO-INVEST
In the same year the Westhof Finanzdienstleistungs (financial services) GmbH & Co. KG was established. The company offers sustainable capital investments to support ecological projects within the Westhof Bio companies.
2013 FIRST HARVEST OF ORGANIC TOMATOES
2014 CONSTRUCTION OF THE BIOGAS PLANT
It is a crucial objective for all the Westhof Bio enterprises to endeavor towards energy neutrality, i.e., generating an amount of renewable energies equal to the overall consumption of the Westhof Bio companies.