Verstegen and BI-JOVIRA start pilot with green herbs in the Netherlands
Homegrown thyme, marjoram, and savory. Could that be possible? Verstegen is joining forces with Cornelis Mosselman's innovative organic strip-cropping farm, BI-JOVIRA, to investigate this and obtain green herbs from their own land in a regenerative (also known as restorative) way through organic strip-cropping. This is part of broader support for this nature-inclusive agricultural business within the "Rotterdam de boer op!" (Rotterdam, the farmer!) program, which is funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery.
About the pilot project of Verstegen and BI-JOVIRA
Verstegen and BI-JOVIRA are starting a 0.7-hectare pilot program for growing green herbs. This pilot program will test thyme, marjoram, and savory grown in the Netherlands. "Rotterdam de boer op!" (Rotterdam, the farmer!) and the National Postcode Lottery are making a financial contribution to the pilot. This year, we will jointly determine whether the selected crops are developing well at Mosselman's farm. Will they yield enough? What are their effects on the soil? What are the flavor profiles and quality of the product? Does Cornelis enjoy and have enough affinity for the crop? And how will Verstegen market the product? We will try to answer these questions in 2023 and will decide whether the pilot program is ready for further scaling up.
This collaboration aligns with Verstegen's ambition to expand its range of regenerative and locally produced products, starting with several "Rotterdam de boer op!" (Rotterdam, the farmer!) model farms in the Rotterdam region. In addition to BI-JOVIRA, Verstegen is also collaborating with farmers from the Hofstede Lust & Last food forest on Goeree Overflakkee in a pilot project for growing Szechuan pepper. Verstegen's ultimate goal is to scale up these pilot projects and thus offer a flavorful, sustainable, and local product on the shelves.
About BI-JOVIRA and Cornelis Mosselman
Behind the BI-JOVIRA trade name is a farming family: the Mosselman family. For six generations, this family has been farming on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee. The seventh generation is already hopping around the farmyard, playfully exploring the farm's activities. For the current owner, Cornelis Mosselman (born 1982), this new generation was partly the inspiration for a completely different approach to his farm: organic regenerative agriculture. This agricultural method focuses on strengthening natural resources (such as the soil) instead of depleting them.
Source: https://vooruitboeren.com/
Want to know more about Cornelis' working methods?
EenVandaag recently made a report about him .
About 'Rotterdam on the farm!'
Dramatically increased biodiversity in rural areas, sustainably produced regional food, and healthy farm management. This dream is coming to life in the Rotterdam region thanks to a special €5 million grant from the Dutch Postcode Lottery. "Rotterdam, go to the farm!" initiative, Natuurmonumenten, has launched a unique collaboration with farmers, supply chain partners, (online) supermarkets, and businesses. Various organizations, including Verstegen, are collaborating to realize this ambitious dream and stimulate the supply of local, nature-inclusive products.
Image: BI-JOVIRA, Vooruitboeren.com