Hans Muller & Maria Bigler pioneered an organic approach to agriculture with the German microbiologist, Hans Peter Rusch.

Hans and Maria both grew up in Switzerland on separate farms in the Emmental and married in 1914.

Maria received her education at the School of Horticulture and Home Management. After giving birth to a son, Maria made an intensive study of literature concerning diet, health and agriculture. From 1933 onwards, she passed on this knowledge in a small home management school.

From the 1940's onwards, reading through the night, Maria researched organic literature and discussed the contents with her husband. She tried out the knowledge she had obtained in her own garden and on the M?schberg. Just before she died, Maria's work, "Practical Instructions for Organic Horticulture was published", culminating a lifetime of experiences and knowledge.

In 1946, the M?llers, together with like minded people, founded the Co-Operative for Cultivation and Utilization which still exists today as well as the journal "Culture and Politics".

The M?llers worked closely with Hans Peter Rusch to develop a natural and sustainable approach to farming. A long friendship and prevailed and all parties contributed to the field and also participated at the M?schberg.