The TEIKEI Network is giving rise to a civil society movement in which farms, members, places of engagement, logistics, coordination, and other participants work together on a regenerative and community-supported food supply.
At the center are regenerative agriculture, transparent relationships, community-supported supply, and the development of long-term viable structures along the entire supply chain.
Access to healthy food—free from residues of toxic substances from industrial mass production and agriculture—is a human right.
It must not be a privilege of the few who can afford organic-certified products.
It is unacceptable that children from low-income families only have access to food that endangers their health through heavy processing, industrial origin, and toxic residues.
In the TEIKEI Network, agriculture is not understood as an isolated sector but as a fundamental pillar of human civilization.
At the heart of this transformative vision are the three sacred circles: economy, relationships, and art.
They represent the fundamental pillars of a regenerative society.
The economy secures physical needs, relationships strengthen the resilience of the community, and art promotes cultural and creative growth.
By integrating these circles, a new connection to the land, strong communities, and an economy that takes both material and spiritual needs equally seriously emerges.
By incorporating these sacred circles into shared practice, a system is created that nourishes both the land and the soul, fostering lasting connections between nature, people, and culture.
It is the soil—where life begins and is sustained—from which a deeper transformation of societal systems becomes possible.
The preservation and care of life are an essential responsibility on Earth.
This life-centered approach is not limited to agriculture but extends to all areas of human life where the balance between nature, people, and community must be restored.
The TEIKEI Network stands for systemic change that supports the survival and thriving of all life forms.
This vision is based on the conviction that human values and systems must be realigned in harmony with the principles of regeneration and sustainability, as the true wealth of civilization lies in its ability to protect and preserve life.
By 2030, all farms in the TEIKEI Network are to have adopted the principles of regenerative agriculture and achieved Level 3 of the regenerative roadmap.
This commitment goes beyond agriculture and encompasses every step of the supply chain to ensure regeneration happens at all levels.
From soil health and biodiversity on farms to the use of renewable energy and waste reduction in packaging and logistics, regeneration becomes a guiding principle.
This holistic approach strengthens the entire TEIKEI Network and promotes sustainability through shared responsibility.
This creates long-term resilience for future generations.
The network fosters a culture of continuous learning and knowledge exchange.
Farms, members, places of engagement, logistics, coordination, and other participants contribute to a shared knowledge pool that constantly evolves.
Regular training, exchange programs between communities, and the development of knowledge resources help overcome the challenges of sustainable agriculture together.
Through knowledge exchange across the network, each community can not only address today’s challenges but also develop innovative solutions for future needs.
This ongoing exchange of ideas, techniques, and insights is key to building a resilient and regenerative food system.
The TEIKEI Network creates circular economic structures with shared risk that prioritize collaboration and collective well-being over individual profit.
The networks are community-supported and managed.
The structure shifts from individual ownership models toward participatory and cooperative systems.
The circular economy in the TEIKEI Network is based on the understanding that economy, relationships, and art are interconnected.
This approach promotes a regenerative system that supports not only financial well-being but also emotional and social health while fostering creativity and cultural expression.
The circular model with shared risk encompasses these three sacred circles to create an economy that nourishes communities in multiple dimensions and ensures a balance between material and cultural prosperity.
The organizational structure cannot be owned by any single individual or sold for personal gain.
Instead, the value created is distributed among all partners and participants.
Risks and rewards are shared within the network so that the organization remains in the hands of those who actively contribute to and lead it, in line with collective responsibility and mutual benefit.
The transformation of the food system is not just a question of logistics or economics.
It also touches the emotional, cultural, and spiritual connections that bind people together.
Art and culture have the power to strengthen these connections, fostering deeper engagement, a shared identity, and a sense of meaning within communities.
In the TEIKEI Network, spirituality is reflected in the way people care for the land, respect natural cycles and the natural order, and build meaningful relationships with one another.
This spiritual connection shapes agricultural practices and helps honor both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
Through mindful practices, food is created not only for the body but also for relationships, meaning, and connection.
Art, culture, and spirituality can bring people together in powerful ways.
Through cultural projects, creative activities, and a deeper spiritual connection to the land, not only beauty but also belonging and shared identity emerge.
The three sacred relationship circles—economy, relationships, and art—describe key areas of an interconnected world.
The economy supports livelihoods, relationships provide emotional and social stability, and art nourishes creativity and cultural identity.
Through the overlap of these sacred circles, stronger and more resilient communities emerge.
The three sacred circles are not abstract concepts but are anchored in daily actions.
The economy not only secures livelihoods by supporting local farms and producers but also fosters strong community relationships through cooperative financial models that prioritize fairness and shared risk.
Relationships are nurtured through direct, transparent exchanges between farms and members, creating belonging and shared responsibility.
Art plays a central role by bringing people together, fostering creativity, and strengthening cultural connections through community projects, festivals, and shared activities.
By integrating these circles, a holistic system emerges in which economic, social, and cultural well-being are equally valued.
This synergy represents a future where art, culture, and economic well-being are closely intertwined, allowing communities to thrive in harmony with nature.
Cultural and spiritual commitments help ensure that the wisdom of past generations and the creativity of today’s communities have a lasting impact on future generations.
By integrating these elements, a sustainable food system is created that nourishes not only the body but also the soul—preserving values and supporting a thriving future for all.
To achieve true sustainability, energy independence is essential.
By 2030, all actors within the food supply chain are to operate without fossil fuels, relying instead on locally produced, renewable energy sources.
However, energy independence is only part of the transformation.
It must be accompanied by a holistic, regenerative approach to resource use.
Waste is not just reduced—it is eliminated by creating circular, zero-waste systems that regenerate themselves.
Packaging, transport, and distribution are redesigned to work in harmony with the environment, creating a system in which all resources are reused, renewed, and returned to the ecological cycle.
In this way, an economy emerges that flows without interruption, reflecting nature’s ability to sustain itself.
The TEIKEI Network is about going beyond mere food production to protect life as a whole.
The connection between humanity, nature, and community is deepened by questioning the destructive impacts of capitalist growth and materialistic lifestyles.
The goal is not only regenerative agriculture but a way of life based on inner and outer harmony.
The TEIKEI Network is not just about transforming agricultural systems but about broader civilizational change.
A culture of collaboration, sharing, and responsible living is emerging.
This requires a shift away from industrial logic, constant consumption, and endless growth—toward an economy of sufficiency based on solidarity and respect for all life forms.
At the center is a future in which communities and economic systems are guided by life-centered values that promote the well-being of nature and humanity.
The network shares responsibility for building a regenerative, transparent, and community-based agricultural economy.
This is not just about fulfilling one’s own role but actively contributing to the success of the entire network.
Each of the following points reflects these principles and is linked to one or more of the ten TEIKEI principles.
The network creates a shared risk economy in which farms announce their harvests and communities collectively commit to accepting them.
This system strengthens the financial stability of farms and fosters trust among all participants in the TEIKEI Network.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 3. Principle of Harvest Acceptance
By 2030, fully regenerative agricultural practices are to be implemented.
The goal is to restore and enhance soil resilience and biodiversity to create a strong foundation for long-term ecological sustainability.
This holistic approach is understood as TEIKEI agriculture.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 1. Principle of Mutual Support
By 2030, the use of fossil fuels is to be overcome within the entire supply chain.
Renewable energy sources in production and transport pave the way to a fossil-free future.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 8. Principle of Learning in Every Group
The focus is on caring for living soils.
The emphasis shifts from mere plant nutrition to soil health as the foundation of all life.
Healthy soils are the backbone of TEIKEI agriculture and a key element of ecological balance.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 2. Principle of Intended Production
The network creates zero-waste business models that minimize environmental impact through reusable systems, eco-friendly transport, and responsible waste management.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 6. Principle of Self-Distribution
Small-scale and community-based agricultural projects are actively strengthened within the network.
This creates local economic cycles, solidarity, and a sustainable agricultural network that is viable for all participants.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 9. Principle of Maintaining Appropriate Group Size
Full cost accounting makes the ecological and social costs of production visible.
This creates greater transparency, fairness, and sustainable economic practices within the network.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 10. Principle of Steady Development
Innovation arises from combining smart technologies with low-tech solutions in agricultural practice.
Large machinery is only used where necessary.
The focus is on flexibility, sustainability, and agriculture that aligns with soil, people, and the environment.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 1. Principle of Mutual Support
The network builds strong, personal relationships between farms, members, places of engagement, logistics, coordination, and other participants.
Direct communication strengthens trust and supports the long-term stability of the TEIKEI Network.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 5. Principle of Deepening Friendly Relationships
Fair trade practices and fair compensation for all participants form an important foundation.
The network goes beyond classic fair-trade standards by making pricing and value creation transparent throughout the network.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 4. Principle of Mutual Concession in Price Setting
Transparency in business operations, business plans, and pricing structures strengthens trust and collaboration within the TEIKEI Network.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 8. Principle of Learning in Every Group
Ecological challenges are viewed holistically.
All aspects of the supply chain are considered to develop solutions that benefit both the environment and communities.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 9. Principle of Maintaining Appropriate Group Size
Traditional market competition is overcome in favor of collaboration and shared responsibility.
The focus is on a solidarity-based economy in which success is measured by collective progress toward sustainability.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 7. Principle of Democratic Management
Sustainable income is generated through cooperative approaches in which the well-being of the community takes precedence over individual profit.
Cooperation forms a central foundation of shared responsibility.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 7. Principle of Democratic Management
Transparent and direct collaboration between farms and members is supported without establishing central control.
Both sides remain independent and capable of action.
This approach strengthens personal responsibility, community bonds, and a resilient, decentralized network.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 5. Principle of Deepening Friendly Relationships
Members, business networks, and primary suppliers collectively contribute to building a regenerative, transparent, and community-based agricultural economy that supports the vision for 2030.
The following points reflect these principles and are linked to one or more of the ten TEIKEI principles.
Members, business networks, and main suppliers develop new organizational pathways and processes to ensure that farms receive between 50% and 90% of the final price.
This is achieved through models of direct trade, optimization of logistics via local distribution networks, and the promotion of cooperative structures.
These measures ensure high product quality, lower prices for members, and reduce dependence on conventional wholesale models.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 4. Principle of Mutual Concession in Price Setting
Members, business networks, and main suppliers participate in a shared risk economy.
Risks and rewards are managed collectively within the network.
Under this principle, farms announce their harvests, which are then accepted by members and partners in the network.
This strengthens the financial security of farms and fosters a deep sense of shared responsibility.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 3. Principle of Harvest Acceptance
Members and main suppliers practice mutual support to ensure that both farms and members are protected in challenging times.
This principle strengthens resilience within the network and promotes a strong sense of community.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 1. Principle of Mutual Support
Members and farms agree at the beginning of each cycle on the intended production quantities.
This coordination ensures that only what is needed is produced, reducing waste and aligning harvest shares with actual demand.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 2. Principle of Intended Production
Members, business networks, and main suppliers strengthen small-scale agriculture in its various forms.
This includes small farms, individual smallholders, and community-supported agricultural projects.
Sourcing products from sustainable networks and prioritizing unprocessed foods over highly processed alternatives strengthens regional economies, solidarity, and sustainable agricultural practices in line with the values of the TEIKEI Network.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 9. Principle of Maintaining Appropriate Group Size
Members cultivate healthy, sustainable relationships with producers by making the stories behind products visible and sharing them.
This transparent and trust-based communication strengthens the connection between farms, members, and partners.
It reflects a practice based on trust and community-driven action.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 5. Principle of Deepening Friendly Relationships
Members, business networks, and main suppliers support business models designed to be zero-waste.
This includes reusable systems, eco-friendly transport, and minimizing environmental pollution and fossil fuel consumption.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 6. Principle of Self-Distribution
Members recognize that fully implementing the principles becomes more difficult if membership or territory becomes too large.
Therefore, both should be limited to an appropriate size.
The development of this movement occurs through increasing the number of groups and collaboration between them.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 9. Principle of Maintaining Appropriate Group Size
Members, business networks, and main suppliers understand ecological challenges as interconnected tasks.
Therefore, the entire supply chain is considered.
The focus is not only on waste, emissions, and logistics but on comprehensive solutions that jointly address ecological and social impacts.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 8. Principle of Learning in Every Group
The sustainable development of the network arises through steady, cooperative efforts.
The focus is on qualitative development rather than quantitative expansion.
All actions should serve the collective well-being of farms, members, and communities.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 10. Principle of Steady Development
Farms in the TEIKEI Network support the vision for 2030 and commit to practices that strengthen transparency, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, community-based supply, and solidarity.
These values guide how land is cultivated, how farms engage in communities, and how agricultural activities promote long-term ecological and social well-being.
By 2030, farms implement regenerative methods that actively improve soil health and biodiversity.
Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable agriculture and are prioritized to maintain ecological balance.
This long-term commitment fosters resilient ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.
Progress is tracked through regular measurements of soil fertility and biodiversity to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 1. Principle of Mutual Support
Farms adopt a model of land responsibility that ensures future generations have fair access to land and food.
Local distribution of food is prioritized over export to external markets.
This commitment strengthens regional food security and sustainability.
Surpluses are only shared once the needs of the local community are fully met to promote local food sovereignty.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 2. Principle of Intended Production
Farms follow organic and regenerative principles without relying solely on external certifications such as EU Organic or Demeter.
The TEIKEI Participatory Guarantee System creates transparency and community-based quality control.
The focus is on avoiding practices that harm soil life or beneficial insect populations.
The natural balance is strengthened through locally sourced natural fertilizers and regenerative practices.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 3. Principle of Harvest Acceptance
Farms strive to produce high-quality food rich in secondary plant compounds that contribute to human health and ecological well-being.
The natural forms and structures of products are respected to preserve the uniqueness of natural processes and avoid unnecessary standardization.
This commitment maintains the integrity of natural production and yields wholesome, nutrient-rich food.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 4. Principle of Mutual Concession in Price Setting
Farms provide transparent access to business plans and pricing structures.
Sustainable income is generated through cooperative approaches.
Health, well-being, and community take precedence over financial gain.
This strengthens openness and collaboration within the TEIKEI Network.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 7. Principle of Democratic Management
Farms combine innovative agricultural practices with smart technologies and low-tech solutions.
By 2030, the use of diesel and plastic is to be overcome.
This transition to renewable energy and sustainable materials reflects responsibility toward soil, climate, and the environment.
It includes a gradual shift to renewable energy and the complete elimination of single-use plastic in agricultural practices.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 10. Principle of Steady Development
Farms actively promote access to agricultural products in their local communities.
They offer programs for people without access to land.
This allows people within the community to benefit from locally produced food, strengthening local food systems and solidarity.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 5. Principle of Deepening Friendly Relationships
Farms commit to continuous learning and knowledge exchange with other farms, members, and communities.
This includes sharing best practices in regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming methods.
Through a culture of learning, innovation and sustainability are embedded in daily practice.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 8. Principle of Learning in Every Group
Farms keep their operations and partnerships at a manageable scale to ensure close connections with members and communities.
By maintaining appropriate group sizes, farms can focus on quality, sustainability, and building strong relationships without overextending themselves.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 9. Principle of Maintaining Appropriate Group Size
Farms accept community support in both successful and challenging times.
By jointly managing risks and rewards in agriculture, farms and members work together to ensure long-term sustainability.
This cooperative approach helps distribute the pressures of agricultural uncertainties evenly and ensures that no farm has to face difficulties alone.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 1. Principle of Mutual Support
Service and material suppliers, as well as other external actors, can contribute to the success of the TEIKEI Network while maintaining their independent structures.
They support the vision for 2030 by committing to the following foundations:
Suppliers and external actors share comprehensive information about pricing structures, the origin of raw materials, and the ethical and ecological practices applied in their sourcing.
This allows the entire network to operate with maximum transparency.
This transparency strengthens trust and openness.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 1. Principle of Mutual Support
Suppliers commit to transparent waste management practices.
This includes describing how industrial byproducts are handled and what measures are taken to minimize environmental impact.
The goal is circular production methods that align with the objective of a zero-waste and fossil-free practice.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 10. Principle of Steady Development
Service and material suppliers, as well as other contributing actors, do not need to be fully integrated into the operational structure of the TEIKEI Network.
However, they commit to aligning parts of their business practices with the network’s goals.
By providing resources, services, or materials that support sustainability and community-based principles, they strengthen the broader mission without giving up their own operational autonomy.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 2. Principle of Intended Production
Suppliers are encouraged to focus on mutual learning and knowledge exchange with members, farms, and other participants.
Best practices in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and innovative solutions are particularly important.
This exchange helps all participants grow and align their operations with future goals.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 8. Principle of Learning in Every Group
Service and material suppliers are encouraged to operate at a scale that allows close collaboration with the network.
This keeps relationships manageable and sustainable.
Suppliers are invited to support the vision with a long-term perspective.
It is recognized that the path toward full alignment with sustainability goals can be gradual.
Through long-term partnerships, suppliers can grow with the network while maintaining their own development paths.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 9. Principle of Maintaining Appropriate Group Size
Suppliers and the TEIKEI Network work together to set fair prices.
These prices reflect actual production costs, ecological responsibility, and the benefits of sustainable practices.
The shared goals of accessibility and fair compensation are taken into account.
The price should reflect both the effort of suppliers and the community’s ability to afford ethical products.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 4. Principle of Mutual Concession in Price Setting
Service and material suppliers working with the TEIKEI Network not only support sustainable practices but also contribute to a new culture of life and collaboration.
This means that business processes are not optimized in isolation but in responsibility toward society and nature.
Main reference TEIKEI principles: 10. Principle of Steady Development
With your signature, you become part of a network that goes beyond trade and creates real change.
The TEIKEI Network stands for a regenerative economy that connects community, nature, and responsibility.
Together, a resilient food system is created that is based on trust, solidarity, and sustainability.
With your signature, you become part of a network that goes beyond trade and creates real change.
The TEIKEI Network stands for a regenerative economy that connects community, nature, and responsibility.
Together, a resilient food system is created that is based on trust, solidarity, and sustainability.
By joining forces—people, farms, members, places of engagement, logistics, coordination, and other participants—in this shared mission, the collective potential unfolds to transform food systems, regenerate the environment, and create a future in which communities, nature, and culture thrive in harmony.
By signing this document, I confirm my commitment to fulfilling the tasks described in my role and supporting the project’s vision for 2030.
Signature of:
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On behalf of:
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In the role of:
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Date: ____ / ____ / _______
Signature: ________________________________________________
One level up: Concepts & Foundations
Author: Felix Schröder, with assistance from AI (ChatGPT)
Creation: written by Felix Schröder › formatted in Markdown by ChatGPT › published by Felix Schröder › layout adjusted by Claude
Created: 2025-06-07 · Last updated: 2026-08-02 · Questions or feedback? support@teikei.us