The innovation journey

The farm Na soutoku (On the confluence) is situated in Terezín – ČeskéKopisty in Northern Bohemia.

A Camphill-type community, it brings together local citizens and people with disabilities who are engaged in biodynamic agriculture, crafts and artistic activities in a family atmosphere. It operates as a system of community-supported agriculture. The organization association was founded in 2012.

Its aims are the promotion and practice of bio-dynamic agriculture, support of self-sufficiency for social businesses and care for disabled people, and development of handicrafts and artwork. The business is run in an eco-friendly and sustainable way, prioritizing cooperation rather than competition, and organizing educational and practical seminars for children, youth and adults. On the farm also live several animals including a cow and a horse.

Žaneta Lenhartová became interested in organic farming already in her years in high school, and while studying at university. She came to České Kopisty with her husband and son in 2009. She is now taking care of three more children. In the community house, she worked in the role of “parent of the house”. She takes care of the bees and runs the Camphill candle-making workshop. She is responsible for the daily work of roommates with special needs.

The farm supplies about 350 member families in three regions. The store operates on the principle of regular deliveries of pre-ordered goods. Producers are assured of sales, customers are assured of delivery.

Currently, the farm employs 15 people. In the farmhouse,5 adults, 4 children and 7 disabled people who are users of sheltered housing live. Part of the estate is a Bio-processing plant and a candle-making workshop with a registered product, the Camphill candle.

The estate organizes excursions and short-term internships. It is a practical workplace for the Higher Vocational School of Organic Agriculture in Prague.