In the serene countryside of Strycksele, Vindeln municipality, Philipp Stawarz and Julia Dahrendorf have brought their dream of subsistence farming to life. Originally from Germany, Philipp always envisioned becoming a farmer, and together with Julia, he found the perfect location in northern Sweden to cultivate his passion. Today, their farm, Grönsaksbonden Strycksele, is a family-run project involving the two owners, their three children, extended family, and occasional hourly workers. Julia’s and Philipp’s journey began with a commitment to growing fresh, chemical-free vegetables for their family and has since blossomed into a thriving venture supplying their community.
“The vegetable garden and vegetable cultivation are associated with many childhood memories for both of us,” Julia shared. “When we moved to the countryside and were expecting our first child, it became even more important to have control over what we eat. We wanted fresh, poison-free, and tasty vegetables and potatoes.” This dedication has been recognized at the highest levels, with the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry awarding them the A.W. Donation Fund prize for their exemplary work.
Today, the farm Grönsaksbonden Strycksele supplies schools with fresh food. Read on to find out more about the successful collaboration between the farm and the Municipality of Vindeln.
From the Farm to the School
Philipp and Julia’s journey into supplying schools began with a small but meaningful contract with Vindeln Municipality at the beginning of 2024. This agreement worth 70,000 euros is beneficial for both parties.It enables the couple to deliver seasonal vegetables directly to the largest school kitchens in the area. The process leading up to the conclusion of the agreement wasn’t without challenges. The municipality’s aim to source locally-produced food required innovation and a rethinking of its procurement methods.
This contract is important because Umeå is now taking baby steps from thinking to doing. Working with small contracts like this impacts the entire supply chain, from dialogues with local market participants to delivery logistics and even the cooking practices at the school canteen. Both sides have had to adjust, but we’re proving that it’s possible.
– Henny Farebo, SchoolFood4Change director for Umea and municipality representative
The kitchen staff decides weekly what vegetables to order, with white cabbage being a standout favourite. Philipp and Julia personally deliver the produce, forging direct relationships with the kitchen teams and relevant stakeholders. This hands-on approach underscores the value of local food systems and strengthens the region’s resilience and sustainability – following perfectly the SchoolFood4Change triple approach.
In 2022, Vindeln Municipality conducted an interview with Philipp and Julia to highlight their virtuous example of sustainable farming and their contribution to the community. Their insights offer a glimpse into the joys and challenges of their work and showcase the significance of innovative procurement practices
Let’s hear from the Swedish farmers Philipp and Julia
What is the best thing about growing vegetables?
To be able to influence the whole process and to know where the food comes from, that it really hasn’t been sprayed, that the children can go out at any time and just grab something and eat. And of course, to defy the climate a bit and get as many different vegetables as possible, preferably coloruful to make it a little extra fun.
What’s the hardest part?
Farming is a profession that is dependent on external factors, such as the weather. It is not possible to control, only react to, and that often makes it difficult. Some years, for example, we had night frost both on the 2nd of July and the 9th of July, and the potato tops froze away. If it is too dry and hot, the seeds germinate poorly (direct sowing of carrots, for example), and we have to water. If it is too wet like this year, the weeds grow far too much, and some plants can rot from the rain.
Which crop is your favorite to grow?
There isn’t just one really, we love multifaceted crops. But it’s extra fun to grow colorful foods such as purple cauliflower, and carrots (although carrots are very labor-intensive to grow).
How many tons of white cabbage are you harvesting this year?
Approximately 10 tons.
How many people work on the farm?
Mainly the two of us, with the help of the family and hourly substitutes when needed.
What do you do in the winter?
Paid jobs, actually. Unfortunately, we can’t just be farmers at the moment. In addition, we also have the sheep to take care of all year round.
A model for the future
Philipp and Julia’s collaboration with Vindeln Municipality is more than just a contract – it’s a pioneering example of how innovative procurement practices can bridge the gap between small-scale producers and public institutions. Their farm’s commitment to sustainability and quality has not only enriched school lunches but also demonstrated how locally sourced food can enhance resilience and promote healthier eating habits.
As Philipp says, “Many small villages become a living village – together we are Vindeln.” This initiative showcases how Europe’s schools and cities can follow suit, supporting small farms and providing children with fresh, nutritious meals grown close to home.
Have a look at the interview on Youtube (Link).
