Strawberry farm in Lower Saxony: Sign causes excitement and integration

Strawberry farm in Lower Saxony: Sign causes excitement and integration

It's not just the strawberries that are blooming in Lower Saxony - there are also interesting stories about Karl's strawberry farm, which is run by Robert Dahl. The farm, known for its diverse regional products and theme parks, has experienced both great successes and challenging moments in recent years.

Since 2015, a sign has been hanging at the entrances to the adventure villages with the clear message: “Unfortunately, enemies of foreigners have to stay outside”. This decision was a response to the hostility that arose after the accommodation of refugees from Syria in the winter of 2015. Managing director Robert Dahl, who was often confronted with protests, said that despite this negative mood, the integration of the refugees went almost smoothly. Around 60 former refugees are currently working at Karls, which, according to Dahl, particularly shapes their daily experience.

From the Stone Age to today

The strawberry has a long history and has been enjoyed by humans since the Stone Age. In Germany, especially in the northeast, the Dahl family has made a name for itself through its strawberry farm. The success of the company, which is named after Dahl's grandfather, is remarkable: he was already selling fruit and vegetables at weekly markets in 1921. The business magazine “brand eins” described the farm as “the apple among strawberries”.

Robert Dahl emphasizes the importance of foreign employees who have made a significant contribution to the company's success. Many of the employees come from Poland and Romania, and the overall positive response from park visitors speaks to Karls' inclusive policy. Dahl's stance was also praised on social media. A LinkedIn post about the sign received widespread support.

The challenges of expansion

Of course, success also comes with challenges. Some residents and insiders see the company's expansion as excessive. Nevertheless, according to Dahl, the general mood in the region seems to have taken a positive turn. He reports that there is good cooperation between foreign employees and locals, which ensures a harmonious exchange.

For Wiebke Keuneke, the author of a feature about the Dahl family, the story of Karl's strawberry farm is remarkable. She was born in Celle in 1981 and made a name for herself as a freelance journalist in Berlin. Their works, such as the award-winning “Erdbeerium”, show the creative power of the Dahl family and their commitment to the region.

Overall, Karl's strawberry farm remains a fascinating example of regional roots, the power of integration and entrepreneurial skills. The strawberries and the stories associated with them will continue to accompany and delight the people of Lower Saxony.

For more information, see the reports on District newspaper and Radio play and feature.