Take your responsibility and create a positive impact
Article by:
Words - Chrissy Gunn
Images - Chantal Arnts
The Philosophy of Regenerative Farming
In regenerative farming, we acknowledge our responsibility to create a better ecosystem for both our people and our flora and fauna. To create a form of farming that has a positive impact on the earth, we are looking at biodiversity, climate adaptation, water usage, soil, plagues and diseases, as well as the landscape itself. The philosophy of regenerative farming consists of the idea that agriculture and nature can be in harmony and that they can reinforce each other. Regenerative farming is about more than producing food. It is about taking care of ecosystems and using our sources sustainably, creating long term solutions and looking to the future.
The Abundance of our Estate at Château St. Gerlach
Our grounds are full of life, which is a beautiful sight. The soil is becoming richer, more fertile and easier to cultivate. A multitude of insects, such as butterflies and bees, as well as many species of birds, feel at home in the landscape. In this way, nature finds its balance and, together with us, ensures that our crops can grow well, are healthy, and taste delicious. This also makes the estate at Château St. Gerlach more resistant to extreme weather conditions, as our ecosystem has grown more resilient and can recover faster.
Where the Wild things Grow
On the Château St. Gerlach and Château Neercanne estates, a lot of attention is given to soil development. We improve the ground by applying organic materials, such as leaves, compost, and manure, which boost soil life and allow it to retain moisture better during drought. We protect the soil as much as possible by working it manually in every way we can. To ensure that nature remains unpolluted, we don’t use chemical products, but rather encourage organic development. Natural enemies are attracted, such as the ladybird that predates on aphids, encouraging naturalisation on the estate – allowing wild herbs and flowers to flourish. These provide invisible shelters and food for beneficial insects, including wasps, bumblebees and honeybees. The water for vegetables is supplied through special drip hoses, reducing wastage. This whole cycle comes full circle with the planting of organic plants and seeds.
Regenerative Farming – the natural way at Oostwegel Collection
We have been working with the concept of regenerative farming on our estates for the past two years, but inevitably there is still room for future optimisation. Our aim is to focus on growing our own seeds – something we have already initiated with sunflowers and calendula. We also strive to reuse rainwater, and increase the content of organic matter in our soil, improving the earth to create a healthy landscape for future generations. Regenerative farming aims to restore and improve the environment, in order to encourage resilient ecosystems, allowing high quality and local food production.
The Future of our Landscape
Our environment is under great pressure. In recent centuries, many species have suffered near extinction. The fertility and health of our soil is declining, contributing to increased carbon emissions and creating a raft of health problems in our society due to low-quality nutrition. Traditional agriculture uses more than half of all land in The Netherlands and has a decisive impact on the health of our landscape. Regenerative farming recognises this responsibility and aims to create a positive change for our world.
a quick peek
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