Preserving nature: how Schwartauer Werke is leading the way with regenerative agriculture

Picture a quiet morning in a fruit orchard. A sensor chirps between the rows of trees, and the farm manager’s app lights up: no irrigation needed today; soil moisture levels are sufficient. That saves water and  the harvest stays the same. It’s one of many small decisions that, together, make a big impact.

Instead of waiting for climate change and biodiversity loss to disrupt production, this medium-sized company from northern Germany began shifting toward sustainable practices back in 2014. In close collaboration with partner farms, Schwartauer Werke has been testing and gradually implementing new methods – from precision irrigation to soil-friendly cultivation techniques.

Being family-owned helps: decisions are fast, pilot projects quickly become part of daily operations. Regeneration of soil and nature isn’t treated as an add-on; it’s embedded in the business model, with a focus on nutrients, water and biodiversity.

In this interview, we are talking to Julia Schäfer, Sustainability Manager at Schwartauer Werke. She explains how values drive tangible action – and why early intervention pays off.

Our early decision was rooted in a clear understanding: as a food producer, we depend directly on healthy ecosystems. When we launched our bee protection initiative “bee careful” over ten years ago, we began integrating the link between biodiversity, soil fertility and product quality into our corporate strategy. We also realised that, as a medium-sized company, we could respond faster and more flexibly than large corporations – and we wanted to seize that opportunity. Even then, it was clear: only by treating nature as a partner can we ensure long-term quality and supply.

We aim to give more back to nature than we take. Julia Schäfer

Yes – in 2014, when we launched “bee careful”. It wasn’t just symbolic; it was a strategic decision supported by leadership and experts from agriculture and research. Since then, sustainability and biodiversity have been integral to our strategy. Our guiding principle: align environmental protection, product quality and economic viability. We aim to give more back to nature than we take.

We don’t treat sustainability as a marketing tool or short-term trend – it’s right at the heart of how we create value. As a family-owned business, strategic foresight is a key competitive advantage. We think holistically – economically, ecologically and socially.

Our sustainability strategy rests on four pillars: responsible sourcing, efficient and environmentally friendly production, better product design, and community engagement. Our employees feel this responsibility – and the joy of innovation. That’s what gives us the courage to keep exploring new paths.

Our water stewardship project in Spanish apricot farming was initially met with scepticism. It uses real-time sensors and app-based controls. Of course, we had to make a business case and prove that the investment would lead to measurable savings. And we had to show farmers that technology and traditional farming can go hand in hand. That’s why we partnered closely with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena and local farmers. The result was a drop in water use of 33 percent while productivity stayed the same – a compelling argument that won support both inside and outside the company.

We want to show that biodiversity isn’t a cost trap – it’s an investment. What matters most: just start. Julia Schäfer

Convincing farmers to adopt new methods like flowering strips, cover crops or biochar was the toughest part. We succeeded by working with strong partners like the Global Nature Fund, measuring success together, and clearly communicating that biodiversity also means economic stability – through healthier soils and greater resilience to extreme weather.

One exciting area is the use of biochar to build humus and store carbon in the long term. Biochar, produced from decomposed biomass, improves soil structure, enhances water retention and supports microbial life – all key aspects of regenerative agriculture. We’re researching this and complementing it with field trials, scientific support and farmer training – it’s a vital building block.

We’ve defined clear indicators: pollinator-friendly areas, flowering cover crops, mulched fields, nesting sites. In 2024, we created 111 hectares of blooming habitats, 130 hectares of cover crops, 172 hectares of mulched land and 159 nesting sites. Our partner farms are on board, and supply chains have become more resilient. Recognition like the German government’s CSR Award in 2025 motivates our team and confirms we’re on the right track.

Absolutely. We share our pilot projects, data, and success models across the group. This allows us to apply programmes like water stewardship, agroforestry and biochar in other regions and supply chains.

Definitely. We want to show that biodiversity isn’t a cost trap – it’s an investment. And small to medium-sized companies can absolutely lead this transformation. Tools like our biodiversity catalogue and programmes like water stewardship and agroforestry are meant to inspire others. What matters most: just start.

Yes! Farmers experience the benefits directly: better soil, more stable yields, greater appreciation. We focus on small, family-run farms – something for which we were singled out when we won the CSR Award. NGOs like the Global Nature Fund and regional groups like the Bodensee Foundation are increasingly involved in initiatives like orchard meadow projects.

If all our suppliers are practicing regenerative agriculture, if biodiversity and sensor standards are established across the Hero Group, and if our environmental and economic results are even stronger than today. Most of all, I’d love to see healthy, diverse ecosystems full of blossoms, insects and fertile soil. That would show our bold decisions were exactly right.