The Wijveld

In the easternmost part of our bike route, we pass by the organic self-harvest farm Het Wijveld, located on Kwadenplasstraat in Destelbergen. Farmers Dave and Michiel have been cultivating around seventy 'new' and 'forgotten' vegetables, herbs, and small fruits there since 2009. The concept of a self-harvest farm works as follows: at the beginning of the season, you pay a one-time fee, which allows you to harvest vegetables, herbs, and fruit from the field throughout the entire season. The whole family is welcome to participate. For the technical aspects of harvesting, you receive guidelines via email and on the field. You eat in sync with the seasons, allowing you to have fresh vegetables at home all season long. Collective activities are also organized, such as picnics, workdays, and evaluation meetings. This way, you get to know the producers better, but above all, you commit to organic farming, farming with respect for the environment. By harvesting yourself, there is no need for transport and trade. Thus, the vegetables are not packaged in plastic, which benefits the environment. The subscription model guarantees the farmer a stable income, allowing them to fully concentrate on growing vegetables without worrying about sales or fluctuating market prices.

This self-harvest farm is a fine example of 'Community Shared Agriculture.' Through the self-harvesting system, people are encouraged to take an active role in the food chain. The farmer receives a fair wage for their work, and by choosing ecological farming, you also help the environment. When Het Wijveld was established, it was only the second CSA in Flanders. More than ten years later, the CSA network has grown to multiple farms spread across Flanders.

Sources:

Website Het Wijveld: https://www.wijveld.be/wat-waarom, accessed on 1/04/2022.

Ishka DS