We believe in a sustainable and circular agrarian sector where food production is in equilibrium with other social interests and with nature. We contribute to this by discussing new landscape-inclusive business models with farmers, water boards, local and regional authorities and nature organisations. In our vision these businesses are part of attractive landscapes in which the history of the agrarian landscape has been made tangible again, landscapes that can also offer opportunities for biodiversity as well as facing up to the challenges of climate change and water.
Redesign of the Berkel
The vision that we developed for the Berkel river between Borculo and Lochem aims at an improvement in quality with opportunities for nature and agriculture. In consultation with the Rijn en IJssel Water Board, farmers and local organisations, we examined how we could restore structural variation to this stretch of the river.
Spatial planning prospects Laag Holland
People and nature have worked together in the National Landscape Low Holland to create something very beautiful below sea level. This is reflected in the openness, the protected city, and village views and the peat meadow areas with wide ditches, high water levels, and historically valuable drying facilities. Like other peat areas, however, Laag Holland suffers from subsidence as a result of dewatering for agriculture. Roads and houses are subsiding and water management costs are increasing. At the same time, there is a significant emission of CO2 due to the oxidation of the peat. With our research by design, we show how the historical landscape offers starting points for new forms of agriculture and innovations in water management. In doing so, we unfold spatial perspectives for four agricultural trends: economies of scale, short chains, new crops, and ecosystem services.
Farmer creates life
Dutch agriculture is at a turning point. More and more people realize that things really have to be done differently: more sustainable, with more attention to biodiversity, animal welfare and the landscape. The call for agriculture that carefully deals with the quality of water, soil and air is growing.