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Open call for a city-oriented agricultural project on land from the city with social employment
Published on 26 March 2021
Belgium
Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen
Eva Naessens
About this good practice
We want local sustainable food production, but access to land for starting farmers on the edge of a city is very difficult.
The contract for the free use of the agricultural plot for 9 yrs (2x extendable for 9 yrs) was rewarded to the “Farmerscollective”: a collective of 2 starting organic farmers, 1 existing traditional dairyfarm, social organisations De Moester and Los Companeros, the agricultural school, nature organisation Natuurpunt, scouts;
The agro-ecological economic viable CSA-company De Goedinge, mainly grows vegetables and sells them directly to customers in Ghent (through CSA approach or vegetable boxes) and local restaurants. There’s lots of attention for education at the farm. The realisation of 1FTE social employment within the project is a condition for the use of the land. The cooperation with the dairy farmer is about shared use of machines, increased attention for the ecology by edging farming land with natural flowers and combined use of the land.
The 300 clients pay a harvest share and are looking for products they have confidence in. The local and sustainable food production within this project can offer an attractive alternative to the farmers concerned, whose income is under pressure due to international food prices. Investing in short-chain initiatives in which producers from the region create a stronger bond with local consumers can also help to keep food affordable for the local population.
The project is a learning curve for the city .
The contract for the free use of the agricultural plot for 9 yrs (2x extendable for 9 yrs) was rewarded to the “Farmerscollective”: a collective of 2 starting organic farmers, 1 existing traditional dairyfarm, social organisations De Moester and Los Companeros, the agricultural school, nature organisation Natuurpunt, scouts;
The agro-ecological economic viable CSA-company De Goedinge, mainly grows vegetables and sells them directly to customers in Ghent (through CSA approach or vegetable boxes) and local restaurants. There’s lots of attention for education at the farm. The realisation of 1FTE social employment within the project is a condition for the use of the land. The cooperation with the dairy farmer is about shared use of machines, increased attention for the ecology by edging farming land with natural flowers and combined use of the land.
The 300 clients pay a harvest share and are looking for products they have confidence in. The local and sustainable food production within this project can offer an attractive alternative to the farmers concerned, whose income is under pressure due to international food prices. Investing in short-chain initiatives in which producers from the region create a stronger bond with local consumers can also help to keep food affordable for the local population.
The project is a learning curve for the city .
Resources needed
The most crucial resource is a plot of land for farming.
Staff = 1 coordinator; within the city of Ghent the environment and climate service, city planning, service of greenery, economic service, reals estate service, ocmw, SoGent were involved.
Staff = 1 coordinator; within the city of Ghent the environment and climate service, city planning, service of greenery, economic service, reals estate service, ocmw, SoGent were involved.
Evidence of success
The CSA farm had 180 shareholders the first year , 270 the 2e year and now about 300 shareholders.
They also deliver parcels to private individuals and sell vegetables individually to catering establishments in Ghent. They bring deliveries to Ghent by bicycle trailer and by bio boat.
The two farmers in the CSA have a steady income.
The transition to a bio-certified CSA farm is completed.
The cooperation with the dairy farmer goes well.
The social employment is not easy, but still goes on
They also deliver parcels to private individuals and sell vegetables individually to catering establishments in Ghent. They bring deliveries to Ghent by bicycle trailer and by bio boat.
The two farmers in the CSA have a steady income.
The transition to a bio-certified CSA farm is completed.
The cooperation with the dairy farmer goes well.
The social employment is not easy, but still goes on
Potential for learning or transfer
Launching an open call to reserve Ghent agricultural land for farmers who participate in the food strategy can serve as an example for other cities and municipalities that own agricultural land. By working with a free user agreement with strict conditions, the farmers concerned are given the certainty to be able to continue farming within the agreed preconditions, but the city also gains the certainty that the preconditions are permanently respected.
Conditions of the call and agreement guarantee local food production for Ghent and short chain sales that reduces climate impact, including commitment to sustainable cultivation techniques, with attention to economical use of water, nutrients, energy and soil. with existing natural and landscape values of the open coulter landscape around Ghent so that the field birds find their way back, attention to learning opportunities for city children, collaboration with other farmers and social employment for vulnerable people within the project
Conditions of the call and agreement guarantee local food production for Ghent and short chain sales that reduces climate impact, including commitment to sustainable cultivation techniques, with attention to economical use of water, nutrients, energy and soil. with existing natural and landscape values of the open coulter landscape around Ghent so that the field birds find their way back, attention to learning opportunities for city children, collaboration with other farmers and social employment for vulnerable people within the project
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
other
Belgium
Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen
Contact
Eva Naessens