Flashback 2023: The Waxing Moon

In 2023, De Wassende Maan received a Klean Kanteen Gives Back grant of €2500. We went to visit!

De Wassende Maan is a pioneer in biodynamic agriculture, cooperative and non-profit organization. Since 1979 they have been committed to an organic short chain in Flanders. They have been working on their land in Astene (Deinze) since 1986.

The farm consists of 3 permanent farmers, assisted by a group of +/- 20 seasonal workers, an organic shop and more than 22 hectares of agricultural land. Care for the soil, it remains their daily concern to this day.

What is biodynamic agriculture?

That is more than just organic. The farm never uses pesticides against diseases or insects. No artificial fertilizers are used. What is more, the soil on the farm does not require artificial fertilizers. The basis of the agricultural system is a rich soil life.

Thanks to minimal natural fertilisation and a wide crop rotation, soil life is stimulated. By a lot and continuous variation of vegetable species (in a cycle of 7 years) diseases are prevented from accumulating in the soil. The soil is rarely ploughed, the soil is raked loose. In this way they ensure that the thin top layer of rich soil life does not end up in the oxygen-poor subsoil. This soil care contributes to the vitality of the vegetables in the field.

The farmers also give the soil a rest. They leave the soil fallow and plant green manures such as grass clover, rye, vetch etc. These species take nitrogen from the air, which then ends up in the soil via their roots and tubers. This way the farmers do not have to add artificial nitrogen.

De Wassende Maan actively works on a strong connecting and mobilizing bond between the farm and the environment. This connection with customers, fellow farmers, residents and other partners is an important guideline in the development of the farm.

The customers are mainly found in the Ghent city region, where the farm also plays an active role in the debate on more sustainable food production and consumption. They also make efforts to reach new groups through inclusive community projects.

All the fruit and vegetables that De Wassende Maan offers come from their own cultivation or the short chain. In addition to the cooperative that pioneered the concept of weekly organic subscriptions, the farm also consists of a non-profit organization.

The non-profit organisation co-finances the purchase of new land, manages the green areas around the agricultural lands and provides the educational aspect of biodynamic agriculture. For example, (school) groups are regularly received for a tour. The educational farm path helps with that. Some schools cultivate their own piece of land as an educational project.

The committed and enthusiastic group of volunteers helps to spread the message of an agricultural sector in balance with nature!