Food for Good and Social Impactor
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Hōhepa is a charitable trust providing residential care, education, vocational opportunities and day programmes for people with significant intellectual and developmental challenges.
Hōhepa’s dedication to sustainability is evident in all facets of its business. From electric vehicles and solar electricity, to glass bottles for biodynamic milk and compostable wrapping for its cheeses. Hōhepa’s biodynamic farm provides employment, education, high quality food for consumption and the opportunity to be involved in food production.
Having adopted Dr Rudolph Steiner’s organic land management and food production principles, Hōhepa’s dairy and horticultural production has operated under regenerative farming practices for six decades. With internationally recognised Demeter certification, Hōhepa has the oldest biodynamic farm in New Zealand.
Steiner’s farming principles, proposed in the 1920s, strive for harmony and sustainability in supporting soil, plants and animal health. Only naturally occurring soil supplements are used, with an emphasis on natural, organically generated fertilisers. The nutrient-rich food grown on the Hōhepa farm is valued by loyal customers and the people Hōhepa supports. The life expectancy of the Hōhepa community exceeds international norms which is attributed to high quality food and care in the community.