La Ferme Larock is a biodynamic farm in Rotheux-Rimière, in the Condroz region near Liège, with roots going back to 1927 as a family farm and a biodynamic transition led by Louis Larock in 1986. Over time, the farm has evolved into a diversified agricultural and social project that combines livestock, market gardening, on-farm processing, education, and community activities. The farm positions itself as a local, human-scale alternative built around biodynamic principles, direct sales, and close links between producers and consumers. It serves local households, cooperative members, families, trainees, and visitors who are looking for fresh, organic, and regionally rooted food, as well as learning and community experiences on the farm. Key Offerings Dairy and cheese products : The farm’s livestock activity includes milk production and on-farm processing into raw-milk cheeses, fromage blanc, yogurt, butter, and milk. These products are sold directly through the farm shop and through selected partner cooperatives. Beef from mixed cattle breeds : The herd includes mixed-purpose cattle, allowing the farm to raise male calves and offer beef alongside dairy production. This supports a more integrated livestock system and a smaller-scale herd. Market garden produce : The farm grows seasonal vegetables, with produce sold through the farm shop. The market garden is part of the farm’s diversified agricultural base and supports local food supply. Farm shop retail : The cooperative shop sells the farm’s own products and a curated range of organic goods from nearby producers and suppliers, including bread, eggs, fruit and vegetables, oils, flours, beverages, and other everyday food items. Training in biodynamic farming : The farm runs a long biodynamic training program and occasional thematic training days on topics such as seeds, small fruits, and biodynamic practices. Educational childcare environment : The farm hosts a Waldorf-inspired kindergarten for young children, integrating daily contact with animals, plants, and farm work into an alternative educational setting. Core Values Biodynamic agriculture : Biodynamics is the common thread across the farm’s activities, shaping livestock, market gardening, processing, training, and the broader farm ecosystem. Local and short supply chains : The farm emphasizes direct sales, proximity, and local sourcing, aiming to make healthy food accessible while keeping value close to the farm and region. Social cooperation : The cooperative structure is designed to connect producers and consumers, support farm development, and create spaces for exchange, participation, and shared responsibility. Human-scale farming : The farm values small-scale, diversified production that allows close attention to animals, crops, and product quality. Education and transmission : Training, hosting, and learning are central to the project, from biodynamic courses to the kindergarten and farm visits. Respect for nature and living systems : The farm presents agriculture as part of a wider living landscape, with attention to soil, animals, seasons, and ecological balance. Unique Aspects Long-standing family farm with biodynamic continuity : The farm has been in the Larock family since 1927, and Louis Larock’s 1986 takeover made it one of the region’s early organic pioneers. Citizen-backed land access : The farm’s land has been secured with the help of the Terre-en-Vue citizen cooperative, helping protect agricultural land from speculation and support long-term farming. Integrated social cooperative : Since 2018, the Ferme Larock cooperative has linked the farm’s sectors and supported the shop, with a social purpose that goes beyond simple retail. On-farm cheese making : Cyrille and Zoë transform all of their milk on site, using a copper vat and producing a distinctive range of raw-milk cheeses and dairy products. Educational and community ecosystem : The farm combines agriculture with a Waldorf kindergarten, a long biodynamic training program, and regular events, making it more than a production site. Direct local distribution network : In addition to the farm shop, some dairy products are sold through partner cooperatives such as Les Petits Producteurs in Liège and Agricovert in Gembloux.
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