Marcel Heinrich

Marcel Heinrich is the owner and farm manager (Betriebsleiter) of Biohof Las Sorts, an organic farm located in Filisur, Graubünden, Switzerland.12 He has been leading the farm since 2001, accumulating over 23 years of experience in this role.2

Background and Expertise

Marcel Heinrich grew up on the Biohof Las Sorts farm and has a background as both a forester and farmer.3 He is known as one of Switzerland's most prominent mountain crop farmers, thanks to his innovative approaches to agriculture.3

Farming Practices and Philosophy

Heinrich is a strong advocate for regenerative and sustainable farming practices. At Biohof Las Sorts, he implements various natural cultivation methods to improve soil health and increase biodiversity.1 These include:

• Gentle soil cultivation
• Use of undersowing and green manures
• Application of compost teas and beneficial bacterial mixtures

Heinrich's farming philosophy is summed up in his statement, "Nature is our teacher".1 This approach is evident in the farm's diverse crop selection, which includes mountain potatoes, spelt, oats, asparagus, rye, barley, and mountain field beans - crops that are somewhat atypical for mountain regions.1

Collaborations and Initiatives

Marcel Heinrich is actively involved in various agricultural initiatives:

• He is a co-initiator of the "Climate Neutral Agriculture Graubünden" project.1
• Biohof Las Sorts serves as a pilot farm for this project, essentially functioning as an open-air laboratory for innovative, regenerative cultivation methods.1
• The farm collaborates closely with the gastronomy sector, with over 50% of its products being used in restaurants.1

Farm Characteristics

Biohof Las Sorts spans approximately 30 hectares and is situated between 1000 and 1900 meters above sea level.1 In addition to crop farming, the farm also includes an orchard with 120 apple, pear, and plum trees, featuring old varieties.4

Through his work at Biohof Las Sorts, Marcel Heinrich continues to demonstrate his commitment to sustainable, regenerative agriculture and the preservation of biodiversity in alpine farming.