Summary

A group of 11 young agronomists decided to combine RDP support along with innovative financial solutions like crowdfunding in order to develop a self-sufficient farm growing local, quality organic products. The group set up 4 hectares dedicated to organic market gardening (including 4 500 m² of greenhouses), dairy cows, goats, pigs, an artisan cheese dairy and 20 hectares of organic cereals.

The conversion of the land to organic farming took two years. Masonry and carpentry work in the existing building was necessary for the creation of housing spaces for the animals, a brewery and a cheese dairy. This stage of the project was completed during the winter of 2015-2016.

Results

The farm is running at full capacity offering a variety of products including fruit, vegetables, cheese (70 000 l/year of processed milk), pork, bread and even organic beer (100 hl/year). The group opened a ‘community café’ where they sell their own beer and also launched a direct selling spot twice a week.

The 18 hectares of cereals ensure food self-sufficiency for the farm occupants

There is no more food waste: vegetable and cheese waste is used to feed animals and animal manure is reused as a fertilizer for growing vegetables.

17 jobs were created during 2015-2017.