Landgoed Velhorst
Landgoed Velhorst is a Dutch organic farm and estate in Lochem, Gelderland, operated by Van Buuren Velhorst vof under the names Landgoed Velhorst and Vrienden van Velhorst. The company focuses on sustainable agricultural management that combines nature-inclusive and circular farming with the production of healthy organic food. It serves consumers directly through its webshop and also opens the farm to visitors, members, schools, farmers, and organizations through seasonal walks, meetings, lectures, training sessions, and tailored activities. The business positions itself as a practical example of future-proof farming that connects ecology, economy, and social engagement. Core Values Biodiversity : The farm aims to increase biodiversity through nature-inclusive farming, flower-rich field margins, crop diversity, and careful landscape management. Healthy soil : Soil care is central to the mission, with attention to soil life, structure, water infiltration, and long-term soil health as the basis for productive farming. Sustainability : Landgoed Velhorst emphasizes circular and nature-inclusive agriculture as an ecologically, economically, and socially future-proof model. Transparency and education : The company shares its practices through walks, demonstrations, lectures, and research, with the goal of inspiring consumers, students, and fellow farmers. Short-chain value creation : It seeks a fair and viable business model by adding value through direct sales and a short supply chain. Connection between people and farming : The mission explicitly includes involving and connecting citizens, farmers, and society with the farm and its work. Unique Aspects Partnership with Natuurmonumenten : Landgoed Velhorst works closely with Natuurmonumenten to manage the estate and restore biodiversity in the Berkeldal landscape. Mixed organic estate farming model : The farm combines arable crops on higher ground with livestock on lower, wetter land, reflecting the estate’s landscape and an extensive farming approach. Direct-to-consumer webshop : The company sells its own certified organic products online, with free delivery in Almen and a member discount. Certified organic and food-safety status : The operation is certified organic by Skal and also holds a VVAK food-safety certificate for arable farming. Education and research on-farm : The estate is used as a living learning environment for soil research, demonstrations, student involvement, and farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing. Public-facing membership community : Through Vrienden van Velhorst, the company has built a supporter community that helps fund and amplify its mission.