Verstegen is planting a food forest in the Spaanse Polder in Rotterdam

At Verstegen, we've been firmly committed to sustainable methods for years, which not only improve the quality of our products but also have a positive impact on the environment and society. Today, we've taken another important step: we've begun planting a lush food forest, featuring a variety of flowers, shrubs, and plants, based on sustainable agricultural principles.

Verstegen becomes more sustainable

With our "Agroforestry" program, regenerative (meaning restorative) agriculture, we promote biodiversity in production countries. We also have an in-house sheltered workshop, and the company building, built in the 1960s and 1970s, has an energy label A. A food forest is therefore a logical next step in our sustainability efforts.

Food forest

The 1,400 m² plot of the food forest, right next to the A20 highway, was planted in early December. This is being done in close collaboration with Stichting Ondergrond (Foundation for Subsoil ). Approximately 150 aromatic and edible trees and shrubs will be planted. Think, for example, of sea buckthorn, magnolia, or the Chinese mahogany, nicknamed the onion soup tree because its leaves and young stems taste like onion soup. We will keep the paths clear, but otherwise we will let the plants grow. We will not use pesticides. We want to show customers, suppliers, and interested citizens how our food production, both abroad and here in the Rotterdam region, can go hand in hand with strengthening biodiversity. But above all, it should be a pleasant place for our employees, who can enjoy a sandwich there during their breaks.

Together with colleagues and stakeholders, they planted approximately 150 trees, shrubs, and plants along Giessenweg. With this initiative, we want to involve our customers, colleagues, and fellow Rotterdam residents in this sustainable transition.