Grounded in Practice – Christian Hockenjos on Organic Farming, Responsibility and the Value of True Sustainability
Interview
Christian Hockenjos
When Christian Hockenjos walks into the barn at 5:15 a.m. to milk his cows, his working day begins, firmly in tune with the rhythm of nature. Even before the sun rises over the hills of Vaud, the air is filled with the scent of fresh hay, the cows quietly chew their cud, and by seven o’clock he delivers the milk to the village dairy, where it is processed into organic Gruyère. This down-to-earth approach, this daily immersion in natural cycles and responsibility, shapes not only his life as a farmer, but also his role on the board of directors of bio.inspecta AG – one of Switzerland’s leading inspection and certification bodies in the field of organic farming and sustainability.
From career changer to organic pioneer
The path into agriculture was not a predetermined one for Christian Hockenjos. “I wasn’t born into a farming family,” he says with a smile. “But I wanted to be outdoors, to work physically, to create something real.” After several years at a Steiner school in Zurich, he completed agricultural training in French-speaking Switzerland and obtained the federal certificate of proficiency as a farmer. Rather than going into an office – as his parents might have hoped – he was drawn to nature.
With his qualification in hand, he initially sought a different path, as he considered the dream of having his own farm impossible. Working with people was never a problem for him. So why not use this ability to help those facing difficulties? This idea led him into a social career, and he undertook a second, part-time training programme over three years as a specialist educator.
He first worked for eight years in a residential home with school-age young people facing social challenges. When the opportunity arose to lease a small farm, he did not hesitate. “In 1993, we started with nothing – no machinery, no livestock, just an empty barn. But I immediately knew: I would farm organically.” At a time when organic farming was still often looked down upon, he consciously chose this path – out of conviction.
Today, Christian Hockenjos farms around 50 hectares, with 35 dairy cows and 2,800 laying hens. He produces milk for organic Gruyère cheese and runs a successful direct-marketing business. His products – especially fresh eggs and milk – are well known and appreciated throughout the region. “People come to us because they can taste the difference,” he says proudly.
Between farm and boardroom
His involvement with bio.inspecta came about through a fortunate twist of fate. When the former board stepped down, Frank Rumpe – then managing director, long-time neighbour and former owner of the farm – invited him to join. “We knew each other well; I had taken over his farm. He felt it would be valuable to have someone on the board who understands agriculture from day-to-day practice.”
This blend of practical experience and strategic perspective continues to shape his work today. “As an active farmer, I understand what regulations and inspections really entail. I know what an inspection feels like on a farm, what consequences sanctions can have, and where farms need support.” Before joining the board of bio.inspecta, he spent five years working as an inspector – a role he greatly enjoyed.
“Organic is not just a label – it’s an attitude. Sustainability starts in the mind, but it is reflected in daily work.” Christian Hockenjos
Organic, sustainability and reality
For Christian Hockenjos, sustainability is not a buzzword, but a mindset. “Being organic does not automatically mean being sustainable. You constantly have to ask yourself: how do I work? What can I improve? How can I make my farm even more environmentally friendly?”
He observes that many farms are put under pressure by additional sustainability requirements. “Today, alongside organic standards, there are further issues: energy efficiency, carbon footprint, social aspects. For many farmers, this is a challenge – and it takes time to understand how these considerations are interconnected.”
His goal is for organic farming and sustainability not merely to stand side by side, but to strengthen each other. “We should integrate the concept of sustainability into the organic principle. Organic farmers should be convinced that sustainability is an integral part of their identity.”
Agriculture in transition
When Christian talks about developments over the past decades, it becomes clear how much agriculture has changed. “When I started, organic farmers were considered idealists. Today, we talk about high-tech, digitalisation, drones and cameras in field management. Agriculture has become more modern – and that’s a good thing.”
Yet structural change remains a challenge. Smaller farms are increasingly under pressure unless they find niches or specialise. “Very small farms that rely on manual labour can work – but most have to grow or adapt in order to survive.” One thing is clear to him: having a lot of land is no guarantee – and neither is being organic.
Between practical insight and strategy
As a board member, Christian Hockenjos values the opportunity to help shape developments while keeping a clear view of reality. “It is important to bring the farmers’ perspective to the table – for instance, when dealing with regulations or new inspection processes. We must not forget that behind every form there is a person working with passion.”
He sees the development of bio.inspecta – from its founding in 1998 to becoming a leading inspection body with international operations – as truly impressive. “This growth has been challenging, but necessary. It is the only way to remain competitive internationally.” Regional presence is particularly important to him, exemplified by the new offices in the French-speaking region and in Ticino. “We want to carry out inspections across Switzerland, which means being present and accessible in all national languages. This strengthens our connection with farms and with regional authorities.”
A man of practice – and quiet conviction
Anyone who meets Christian Hockenjos immediately senses it: he lives what he says. Between the barn, board meetings, and direct sales, he has little free time – yet there is no hint of fatigue in his words, only conviction.
“I never wanted to be just a farmer. I wanted to show that with conviction, perseverance and openness to new ideas, you can build a farm that is economically viable and benefits nature.”
With this approach, he shapes not only his own farm but also the work of bio.inspecta – serving as a voice of practical experience in strategic thinking and as a bridge between farmers and office staff.
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About
- Married, with three adult children (the farm was taken over by the eldest son on 1 January 2026
- Farmer and member of the board of directors of bio.inspecta AG
- Founding member of BioVaud, and former president of BioVaud
- Location: Canton of Vaud
- Farm: 50 hectares, organic milk, laying hens, and arable farming
- Specialty: Pioneer of organic Gruyère production, committed to sustainable and practice-oriented farming
