Herenboeren Wenumseveld

Herenboeren Wenumseveld is a cooperative farm of 15 hectares in Wenum-Wiesel, north of Apeldoorn, owned by about 230 households who grow their own vegetables, fruit and meat with farmers the cooperative employs.

The farm grows vegetables, potatoes, herbs and fruit and keeps cattle and pigs, and their website says no synthetic fertiliser or pesticides are used. The animals are outside all the time with shelter from heat and wind, and the pigs have room to root and wallow in mud.

Joining means becoming a co-owner. Each household makes a one-off investment, which is paid back when a new member takes over its place, and then pays a monthly contribution for its weekly share of the harvest; single-person and single-parent households can join with a smaller investment. Members collect their share at the farm each week, choosing either vegetables only or a mixed package that includes beef and pork from time to time, and can help on the land or in a working group if they want to. There is also a herb and flower garden for members. In 2026 the cooperative had room for new members and offered tours of the farm.

The animals close the loop: the pigs eat the vegetable leftovers and clear the fields after harvest, and the cattle's manure goes back onto the vegetable beds.