NOBL

About NOBL

NOBL is a Flemish knowledge and research network focused on organic food and farming in Belgium. It works as a bridge between farmers, researchers, advisers, and policy stakeholders, helping turn practical questions from the sector into research topics and then translating results back into usable knowledge for the field. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)

The organization is part of the broader Flemish Organic Research and Knowledge Network, alongside CCBT and the organic farmers’ networks. Its role is to support demand-driven, system-oriented research and knowledge exchange for the organic sector, with an emphasis on practical relevance and coordination across the ecosystem. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)

NOBL positions itself as a connector rather than a commercial supplier: it helps align research priorities, supports dissemination of findings, and encourages collaboration across local and international organic-agriculture networks. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)

Key Offerings

• Research coordination for organic agriculture: NOBL helps identify sector needs, bring questions into the research agenda, and coordinate with partners to find expertise and funding for relevant projects. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• Knowledge exchange and dissemination: The network shares research results and practical knowledge back to farmers and other stakeholders through its information channels and joint actions with partners. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• Research database and knowledge access: NOBL and CCBT jointly manage a database that provides an overview of current and past organic-agriculture projects and results in Flanders. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• Networking and collaboration support: NOBL participates in national and international workgroups and networks to strengthen organic research cooperation and visibility. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)

Core Values

• Demand-driven research: NOBL emphasizes research that starts from real questions and problems raised by the organic sector, rather than from theory alone. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• Co-creation and collaboration: The network works jointly with farmers, researchers, and partner organizations to define priorities and develop shared actions. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• Practical relevance: Its focus is on knowledge that can be tailored to farmers and applied in day-to-day organic production. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• Sustainability and system thinking: NOBL’s strategy frames organic agriculture as part of a balanced agri-food system and supports broader ecological sustainability goals. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)

Unique Aspects

• Part of a three-network Flemish platform: NOBL works with CCBT and the organic farmers’ networks to form the Flemish Organic Research and Knowledge Network, giving it a coordinated role in the regional organic ecosystem. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• Bridge between practice and research: The network is specifically designed to move questions from farmers into research and bring results back into practice, making it a two-way knowledge hub. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• Joint research strategy: NOBL and its partners have published shared research strategies that help shape Flemish and European research priorities for organic food and farming. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)
• International outreach: NOBL also participates in international organic-research workgroups and networks to raise the visibility of Flemish organic research beyond Belgium. (ilvo.vlaanderen.be)