The focus of WUK bio.plants is on growing of biological ornamental plants, herbs, and various food. The plants are planted, watered and dunged by the workers themselves. Thus they also learn to know the particularities of the product, and are able to sell it wholeheartedly. This social enterprise focuses on BIO BIO BIO! Special attention is given to the requirement that all guidelines of biological growth are complied with, and it is officially designated as a biological-controlled enterprise.

Ornamental plants as a market gap

This project was started by growing BIO ornamental plants, which quickly proved to be a market gap. “This type of plants, however, yields only little profit, therefore we quickly realized that we needed more than this”, narrates Manager Ursula Koeniger. As the social enterprise is still quite new, many products need testing which dung and temperature is best suited. There are already quite a number of plants in the product line, which are sold at various markets in the region of Gaenserndorf and in Vienna. Some kinds of herbs are offered in pots (rosemary, green basil, parsley), flowers (such as grape hyacinths or narcissi), and cut plants (for instance Asia salads). Besides growing plants, herbs, and vegetables, Bio.plants also offer processed products (for instance herb salt) and services in the field of green space.

When crops turn into plants

The social enterprise WUK bio.plants – Gaenserndorf social agriculture has been an idea created by Ursula Koeniger, and it is still in its infancy. Despite this, there are already regular costumers of gastronomy products. “It is of primary importance for us that each client may assume the task, which best suits his or her abilities, and which gives him or her most pleasure”, explains Ursula Koeniger. “Partly, these are quite simple tasks, but we pay attention that the work is done accurately.”

On account of the spatial division, the workers may themselves decide whether they prefer to work outdoors or indoors. WUK bio.plants not only intends to create a place of employment for their 17 workers, but also to teach them healthy food and the treatment of resources in the region. Besides, the workers are able to observe how a crop turns into a plant, which also leads to a disclosure of single persons.

Conveying environmental consciousness to people

Sustainability is a central topic for this enterprise. Special consideration is placed upon regionality and natural growth. In addition, the workers learn for themselves to preserve the environment, and to deal with resources more consciously.