12 | VIONSPIRATION VIONSPIRATION | 13 Sustainable Circular Course ORGANIC PIGS WITHIN THE Ruben explains, “At some point, I simply made a call to the Twickel estate to inquire if they needed any organic manure. Winny and Arjen responded positively almost immediately, and it was quickly arranged! Now, my pigs lie on the straw from the Twickel estate, and my manure goes back to the estate. It’s a wonderful example of a local nutrient cycle.” Almost completely surrounded by the Twickel estate lies the pig farm of Ruben Exterkate. Since 2020, Winny and her husband Arjen van Buuren have been tenants of approximately 100 hectares of fields and pastures that they manage on behalf of the owner. Winny says, “Renting an estate is a perfect fit for us. We believe it’s important to leave something behind for future generations, and as tenants of an estate, we can do that. Of course, we practice organic farming and cultivate the land based on nature-inclusive principles, such as promoting biodiversity and soil health. The soil is our most valuable asset. Moreover, we deliberately demonstrate that the business model works, that it is profitable. We currently rent land on three estates and strive to operate as a mixed farm with a closed nutrient cycle. Our crop plan includes a variety of grains such as wheat, quinoa, rapeseed, and sunflowers. We sell these products through a short supply chain to local restaurants, farm shops, and bakeries, focusing on what the local market demands. It’s not just about ecological value.” Working within a local nutrient cycle Winny adds, “When cultivating organic crops, the use of organic manure is essential. On the Velhorst estate, we have a mixed farm with our own livestock, but not on the Twickel estate. That’s why we utilize the organic manure from Ruben’s organic pig farm for our fields.” From soil to animal feed, everything used in the production of organic meat by De Groene Weg complies with European regulations for organic farming*. Animals on our farms have space to exhibit their natural behavior and have access to the outdoors whenever they want. They also receive organic feed, grown without the use of synthetic pesticides. The organic farmers of De Groene Weg go the extra mile by, for example, mowing the grass later, allowing herb-rich meadows to develop, or sowing flowers to promote biodiversity on and around the farm. The manure from our animals is used as organic fertilizer for crops, contributing to the organic food cycle. The animals’ lifestyle also ensures their health and high resistance to diseases. Organic production is carried out with respect for nature, animals, and farmers. That’s why we believe organic is the most sustainable way of farming.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODY1MjQ=