Aalst (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – De Loods’s organic farm in Aalst, employing 45 part-time workers, will close in December 2025 due to financial struggles. Manager Bruno Eeman still hopes for a last-minute saviour.
As VRT News reported, De Loods, an organic farm in Aalst, will close at the end of December 2025. The farm has been a key part of the community for over 35 years. It’s known for its weekly organic vegetable boxes. They mentioned that it helps people who have trouble finding jobs by giving them work experience.
However, it’s getting harder to run an organic farm and support social employment. Bruno Eeman, the manager, says it’s a difficult financial model. Many similar farms in Belgium are losing money, and De Loods is one of them.
What will happen to De Loods organic farm in Aalst?
According to officials, the De Loods team tried hard to save the farm. They looked for someone to buy or partner with them, but it didn’t work out. The last possible buyer backed out, so the farm has to close by the end of the year. This is a big loss for Aalst. They mentioned that they need more support from leaders and businesses to survive, even though they do good things for the community and the environment.
The organic farm of VZW De Loods in Aalst is closing at the end of December 2025. But not everything is stopping. Other parts of De Loods will keep working. ‘Tuin & Klus’ will still do garden work and odd jobs. ‘Zorgzame Buurt’ will continue cleaning the community and providing care.
They mentioned that these projects also give people jobs that help people. They are doing well financially. So, they can stay open even if the farm closes. They said that the farm closing is important. However, De Loods will still be around. It will keep helping Aalst with social and environmental issues.
The organic farm employs about 45 people, mostly part-time. Bruno Eeman, the manager, says they are helping each worker find new jobs. They hope to find jobs within De Loods or similar places. But it will be difficult to replace all the positions.
Eeman is still hopeful. He doesn’t rule out saving the farm. He says a supporter could come forward. This person would believe in the farm’s mission and invest without wanting money back. Time is running out. If a supporter doesn’t appear soon, the farm will close.
