South Bohemia, Czech Republic
In South Bohemia, a pioneering model of social organic farming demonstrates how regional food systems can strengthen entire communities. Operating through a closely connected structure, Sady sv. Prokopa manages a certified organic farm in Temelín, while its affiliated cooperative, Green Basket (Zelený košík), oversees distribution. Together, they cultivate 20 hectares of orchards, as well as vegetable and strawberry crops, transforming fresh harvests into preservative-free juices, jams, and chilled produce.
However, their identity extends far beyond agriculture. As a social enterprise, their primary mission is the meaningful integration of socially disadvantaged individuals, including people with physical and cognitive disabilities, who currently represent around 30% of their 35-person workforce.
Maintaining these inclusive values while achieving long-term financial sustainability presents several challenges. Although Green Basket already supplies farm shops and around 15 local canteens, there is still a need to better align agricultural production with the requirements of public kitchens. In addition, the potatoes currently processed by Green Basket are sourced from a non-organic external supplier. To address these operational and commercial challenges, the Living Lab is co-creating two complementary innovations: expanding the regional organic potato supply chain and developing a more ergonomic and supportive workplace model.
“Chance to Work – Stable Work for All” focuses on creating safer, more inclusive and less physically demanding workplaces in food processing. Through ergonomic assessment, adapted equipment, automation and cooperation with social services, the initiative aims to support vulnerable workers while enabling the enterprise to expand production sustainably.
The “Our Potatoes for Your Children” initiative aims to expand the supply of locally grown organic potatoes for public canteens. Through new organic crops, upgraded processing facilities and closer cooperation with schools and catering staff, the project seeks to increase regional sales while building a reliable, additive-free and sustainable supply chain.
