The Field Guideby Moss & MarrowHerenboeren Willemshoeve
- Organic methods: no synthetic pesticides or fertiliser, not certified
- Zero waste
Herenboeren Willemshoeve is a cooperative mixed farm of about 20 hectares along the Praamgracht and the Biltseweg near Soest, owned by roughly 250 to 280 households from Baarn, Soest and the surrounding area, who employ the farmers and share out everything the farm produces.
Two farmers and a fruit grower look after the vegetables, orchards and livestock without synthetic fertiliser or pesticides. The farm calls organic (biologisch) its minimum and regenerative farming its aim, though it holds no organic certificate. The yard has two greenhouses and a cattle barn. A weekly share can include vegetables, fruit, herbs, potatoes and grain, plus eggs and, for members who want it, meat now and then; how the hens and livestock are kept isn't described, so eggs and meat are not yet confirmed.
This isn't a shop. You join as a member with a one-off contribution and a weekly fee per person, then collect your share at the farm every week in the season; about 500 people eat from it. Members can also help on the land or in working groups, and free tours of about 90 minutes run once a month for anyone thinking of joining.
The farm is part of Landgoed Willemshoeve, which also has a care farm for people with dementia and an education centre.