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.

More News About the Youth Council

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The image shows a set table viewed from above. Blue plates and cutlery are laid out, along with bowls containing various dishes, dips, salads, and grains.

04.11.2026

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What's on the menu, Berlin? A panel discussion on food policy
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Visit by Berlin’s Senator for Urban Development to the environmental education areas at Späth’s Tree Nursery

Created by Gesine Schaumann vom Weltacker Berlin e.V -

On Monday, June 8, 2026, Berlin’s Senator for Urban Development, Christian Gaebler (SPD), visited the Späth’sche Baumschule site for the first time; according to current plans, residential housing could be built there. Among those participating in the site visit were Lars Düsterhöft and Julia Dittmar of the SPD, District Mayor Oliver Igel (SPD), the managing directors of Späth’s Nursery, Laura Lichtenheldt and Susanne Schmohl, Karoline Leu, former managing director Holger Zahn, Susanne Schneider-Kettelför, who handles public relations for Späth’s Nursery, Dr. Anika Dreilich from the Humboldt University Arboretum, and Gesine Schaumann from Weltacker Berlin e. V.

In the spring, initial plans for a possible development project had come to light. In response, the management of the Späth Nursery launched a petition against the proposed plans. The petition has since closed, having gathered nearly 22,000 signatures. The high level of interest demonstrates the importance that many people place on the historic, 300-year-old tree nursery and its educational and research programs.

During a visit by Senator for Urban Development Mr. Gaebler, discussions focused on the development of a residential neighborhood with approximately 2,500 apartments, a portion of which is intended to be affordable housing. At the same time, the Späth Nursery emphasized its commitment to preserving the site’s role as an environmental education center in the long term.

The next steps call for project planners commissioned by the Senate to revise the structural and land-use concept in collaboration with Berlin’s Senator for Urban Development. Before this concept is submitted to the Senate for further decision-making, the Späth’sche Baumschule will also have the opportunity to review it and provide feedback. Subsequent negotiations will then take place with the insolvent company that owns the site. This marks the start of the planning process for developing a concept for areas not owned by the State of Berlin.

As things stand, no changes are expected in the near future. In the coming years as well, children from Treptow-Köpenick and Neukölln, school classes, community groups, and many other interested individuals will be able to visit the Weltacker and experience educational programs on sustainable agriculture and nutrition free of charge.

We are closely monitoring further developments and will provide updates as soon as new, confirmed information becomes available.