The fact that many farmers are finding it difficult to survive with their farms today is nothing new. The prices for their products are often set by the large discounters, who mercilessly haggle over every cent. In order to survive in this price war, the trend in recent decades has been towards scaling up, industrialisation and rationalisation of agriculture. But many farmers do not want this. They do not want to become agricultural factories, but want to experience nature as farmers and deliver good products to their customers. More and more small farms are therefore focussing not on reducing their costs, but on consistently improving their quality. The products are no longer marketed in supermarkets, but in farm shops, in direct contact with customers.

Founded in 1992, Obstgut Franz Müller is one of these farms. Anke and Cathleen Wollanik, who are now the third generation to run the farm together, are currently in the process of converting their entire production to organic in order to be able to supply customers with even better apples. Over 20 varieties of apples grow on 160 hectares here in the north-east of Berlin, with something to suit every taste. The apples are sold in the farm shop or during the harvest season in autumn via self-picking.

They are supported by online marketeer Andreas Poell, who not only brings marketing strategies up to speed, but also has a heart for small farmers and direct marketers. Together with a few fellow campaigners, he launched the Wurzlbuam, a platform that aims to bring producers and consumers together. The Wurzlbuam are currently running a pilot project with a new website for the Franz Müller fruit estate and as I share their passion, I joined them and am realising the image films and photos to showcase the farmers, their world and their products.

The project for Franz Müller is a work in progress. We will present the first results in autumn.