Local food production is the future of farming and is integral to community health. The opportunities and benefits are infinite, positively impacting not only the climate in the forms of carbon sequestration and protecting biodiversity, but also fostering community connection. Høsteriet is an incredibly valuable resource for the local community, providing not only organic food produced in a regenerative fashion, but also connecting members of the community through volunteering. Aarhus and its surrounds NEEDS more projects like this. It does not need another housing development. Farms need to be close to the people, and not kept far out in the countryside. Citizens need to connect to nature, and understand where their food comes from, if we are to have a future. Food sovereignty is about the people having the knowledge and the power to look after themselves and their communities, in collaboration with the land. Projects like Høsteriet are absolutely integral to this process!

I am a farming student at Kalø Økologiske Landbrugsskole and I hope to work on projects like this once I graduate. I have met with Marie a few times, and many of us here at the school have helped out down at the farm. We feel intimately connected to the land and the soil here in Syddjursland and Aarhus, and are deeply invested in the success of our colleague's project.

I am asking the municipality not to commence construction at Østergårdstoften. It will be a catastrophe for the local environment, and send a clear message to the regenerative movement that you don't value the work that is being put in to make the world-- and the neighbourhood-- a better place for all. If building is absolutely necessary, please limit the area to as small an area as possible so that Høsteriet can continue its production, and continue to regenerate soil, air, and community. Even better would be the municipality allowing the eco-village Andelssamfundet Hjortshøj to buy the plot of land, or an extension of the contract.

I keenly await your reply, and look forward to the cancellation of your building proposal.

Kind regards,
Laura