Roanerhof in Sarns - an organic farm with a learning school for highly sensitive children

Klaus and Sabine Mader manage Roanerhof in Sarnes according to the principles of biodynamic agriculture. The farm comprises seven hectares of orchards, although Klaus is determined to reintroduce viticulture in the near future, reviving a tradition that was once an integral part of the farm.
The farm is also home to a variety of animals, including hens, pigs, cats, rabbits, sheep and Highland cattle. In biodynamic farming, animals play a vital role in maintaining a balanced and self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem.
“It is all about working in harmony with nature, understanding natural and cosmic influences, and creating a balanced overall environment on the farm. People, animals and natural cycles are all part of that. Everything should have a purpose and complement one another,” explains Klaus Mader.
He continues: “I no longer felt a strong connection to conventional integrated farming methods, which is why I converted the farm to organic production under the Bioland standard. About a year ago, I decided to take things a step further and deepen my connection with nature. Transitioning to biodynamic agriculture was the natural next step, and it has brought me great satisfaction.”
More recently, the family established a second pillar for the farm through the creation of the social cooperative “Roaner Lernfreunde”.
“The cooperative’s goal is to provide highly sensitive children with an ideal learning environment in a unique setting. A farm is perfectly suited for this purpose because every season offers a variety of meaningful tasks and activities. These experiences help children gradually regain confidence and ease their transition back into the regular school environment. To date, our project for highly sensitive children is the only one of its kind in South Tyrol,” says Sabine.

The funded project

“The Ethical Banking financing provided through Raiffeisenkasse Eisacktal gave me the security and confidence I needed during the transition period, making it possible for me to successfully complete the conversion. The funding allowed us to renew important machinery and also replant one of our orchards. For me, Ethical Banking is a community where we work together to make new and sustainable paths financially viable,” says Klaus Mader.