The Weltacker Youth Council

About the Youth Council

Since 2022, the Weltacker Youth Council has been working with us—an exciting project that brings young people in Berlin together. They all share one goal: a voice in Berlin’s food policy!

What exactly is this about?

In recent years, our young members have shown why it’s so important to change our food system. They’ve come up with their own ideas on how everyone can have a say when it comes to the future of our food system. One highlight: A report outlining their demands was presented to the Berlin Senate—a powerful statement in favor of greater participation! Now we’re moving forward! The Youth Council is launching a new project, this time focusing on a socially just food system. The group wants to find out how they can take action themselves, what challenges lie ahead, and how a food system that’s fair for everyone can be created. In addition, the goal is to motivate even more young adults to advocate for the food transition as well. Thanks to funding from the “Zukunftspaket,” many exciting activities have been planned for 2024. For example, participants are conducting interviews with other young people, creating creative “mental maps,” and organizing an impressive art exhibition. A highlight is their homemade cooking cargo bike, which they bring along to events—complete with delicious “Küfa” (kitchen for everyone). A trip to inspiring food projects in southern Germany also sparked many new ideas. The project will conclude with a major event on December 14 at Subversiv e. V. With electronic music, delicious food, and an art exhibition, these dedicated young people aim to showcase their work and recruit more like-minded allies. The Weltacker Youth Council is committed to amplifying the voices of younger generations in the food transition. With creative ideas and strong dedication, the group is making an important contribution to greater social justice in Berlin’s food system.

Funded by the Berlin Youth Democracy Fund

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Fire at the Weltacker

Created by Weltacker Berlin e. V. - 10/12/2024

A severe fire completely destroys our farmhouse

Find out here how you can help!

On October 12, 2024, a tragic fire broke out at the 2,000-square-meter Weltacker in the Blankenfelde Botanical Public Park. The farmhouse, which was central to the Weltacker’s operations, was completely destroyed in the early morning hours. All educational materials, tools, work clothes, as well as a fully equipped kitchen and office supplies were lost to the flames.

According to the Berlin Fire Department, the building, which measured about 130 square meters, was completely destroyed by fire. About 25 firefighters were on the scene to battle the blaze, assisted by a turntable ladder. Fortunately, they were able to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby trees and buildings. Most reassuring of all: no one was injured.

Burglary and arson?

Tragically, this fire occurred just a few days after a break-in at the Ackerhaus. The previous weekend, a smaller fire had already been set, which fortunately did not cause any major damage. However, that incident left a stubborn layer of soot throughout the entire building. The association had still hoped to be able to restore the house—but the second fire has now destroyed everything.

A bitter loss for Weltacker Berlin e. V.

The Ackerhaus was not only a central element of the Weltacker’s educational work, but also served as a storage facility and workshop. This is where school classes and visitor groups were welcomed, training sessions and workshops were held, and the equipment used to maintain the Weltacker was stored. With the fire, all the materials developed over the years for educational work have now been irretrievably lost.

The Weltacker Berlin team is deeply saddened. The loss of the Ackerhaus is not only a material loss but also an emotional one. It was the heart of their work, a place where people were educated daily about sustainable agriculture and food.

Support is urgently needed

Weltacker Berlin e.V. is now calling for support to enable the reconstruction of the Ackerhaus and the continuation of its important educational work. The organization faces the challenge of replacing all the lost materials. To do so, it relies on help—whether through donations or hands-on support. The reconstruction will be an enormous undertaking, but the Weltacker team is counting on the community’s solidarity.

The organization would like to thank the firefighters for their quick response and appeals to all supporters: Together, we can help ensure that Weltacker can resume its educational work soon.