Berlaar (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The historic Duifhis farm (15 hectares) in Berlaar will reopen for organic farming under De Landgenoten. Petra Tas leads the project, reviewing farmer applications in October 2025, for long-term sustainable use.
As VRT News reported, the Duifhis farm, a historic site in Berlaar, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, is set to return to active farming after years of neglect. The 15-hectare property has fallen into disrepair but will now become a centre for organic agriculture. The project is led by De Landgenoten, a cooperative that supports sustainable farming in Belgium.
The cooperative received the farm from an anonymous donor with the explicit requirement that the farm must be used for organic farming. The effort intends to preserve the farm while providing farmers with the opportunity for expansion. Experts suggest that the project integrates historic preservation with environmentally conscious modern agriculture.
What plans does De Landgenoten have for Duifhis farm in Berlaar?
De Landgenoten has started looking for farmers to work on the site. Interested candidates must submit detailed project plans and business proposals. Several applications have already been received. The cooperative will review submissions in October 2025 and may select multiple farmers to work together.
If all goes as planned, farming could begin as early as next year. Officials note that private donations combined with cooperative management can create lasting opportunities for sustainable farming.
The historic Duifhis farm is preparing to welcome new organic farmers as the cooperative De Landgenoten begins renovations. The main building and 2 barns will be restored so farmers can move in and start working.
The ground has already been planted with an eco-friendly mixture of seeds. The seed mixture is meant to enhance soil quality and promote biodiversity, setting the stage for sustainable agriculture. Officials indicate renovations and landwork guarantee the historic farm is prepared for organic farming in the contemporary era while preserving the environment.
“Finding agricultural land with a house attached to it is very difficult these days in Flanders,”
Ssays Petra Tas.
“But it’s necessary if you’re going to live close to your fields or if you’re going to work with animals.”
De Landgenoten uses funds from shareholders and donors to buy agricultural land. The cooperative does not cultivate the land itself; however, it leases the land to organic farmers through long-term leasing contracts.
Experts state that by this model, the cooperative creates an overlap of environmental responsibility, custodianship of heritage, and local employment opportunities, which influence a long-term commitment to sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Hoeve Hellebeek project in East Flanders, where a historic farm was restored and transformed into a hub for organic vegetable production. Farmers there work under long-term agreements, and the land is managed to support biodiversity and soil health.
Similarly, in Wallonia, cooperatives have revived old farms for organic dairy and vegetable farming, often with the support of private donors or public grants. These initiatives follow the same principle: preserving heritage, protecting farmland, and supporting sustainable farming practices for future generations.
