Festihof Farm: Elysian Fields of Elderflowers
Franziska Schärer runs the Festihof, a centuries-old family farm located in the picturesque Melchnau region of Canton Bern. Elderflowers are one of the farm’s specialties, along with cattle and crops. Herb cultivation fits perfectly into her mixed farming concept.
“Elderflowers fit perfectly into my yearly farming routine, and I love this special plant,” says Franziska. She has been delivering precious elderflowers to Ricola for over ten years. At Ricola’s Herb Centre in Laufen, her harvest is dried and processed. “I tend to around 740 elder trees at the Festihof. It’s definitely a team effort, especially during the harvest season.”
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When teamwork blossoms
Franziska’s elderflower harvest lasts about five weeks, usually starting in early June depending on the weather. “That’s when things really get busy. Luckily, I can count on my trusted crew.” As many as twelve people sometimes gather among the blooming elder trees, each carrying a large basket and ready to pick the most delicate blossoms, which are grown in accordance with Swiss Organic Regulation (Schweizer Bio-Verordnung).
Harvesting quality is essential
Picking elderflowers is a rewarding task, and it requires careful attention: More than 75% of each flower head should be in full bloom. And the bloom must be picked with just a fingertip’s length of stem. “Since not all the blossoms open at once, we walk through our twenty rows of elder trees every other day for about five weeks, harvesting only what’s ready,” Franziska explains. “You really have to pay close attention to what you’re putting in the basket because that ultimately decides the quality of the harvest.”
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A well-rooted partnership
Franziska is a trained agronomist. She took over the Festihof farm from her parents and expanded it by leasing and purchasing more land. She started the partnership with Ricola in 2013. “I wanted to diversify my business, and Ricola was looking for elderflower growers. They really supported me as a newcomer, offering advice and hands-on help. It was like having a coach. That’s how our partnership grew into one that I can fully rely on.”
Using natural methods
Compared to other herbs, elderflower is not as demanding, but it does require regular care and protection from pests. “We mulch the fields regularly and prune the plants in the winter to encourage strong new growth.” Then there are the mice and pests, such as aphids, to consider. “To protect our trees from hungry rodents, we’ve installed a fence that is 30 centimetres deep around our entire elder tree field. It’s an ecological way of keeping the mice away.”
Barn, field, horseback and desk
When Franziska isn’t in the barn or out in the fields, she is probably with her two horses or at her desk. She has many commitments, including serving on the board of directors of Switzerland’s largest agricultural cooperative. Nevertheless, what she values most is staying close to nature. “Blooming and harvesting, growing and renewing—all of that is part of my life, just like the Festihof with all its history and tradition.”
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