Domaine de Graux

Domaine de Graux is a historic farm estate in Tournai, Belgium, with roots dating back to 1492 and a long-standing focus on protecting and regenerating the surrounding ecosystem. Today, it operates as an agroecological farm that combines crop production, livestock, biodiversity management, and on-site processing with a broader mission to demonstrate that regenerative farming can work at scale. The estate serves consumers, local food buyers, visitors, and organizations looking for a nature-based venue or a model of sustainable agriculture. Its positioning is explicitly mission-driven: it aims to nourish people without degrading the land, support farmers in transitioning to more sustainable practices, and create a place where food production, education, and community connection reinforce one another. The farm has been organic since 2011 and has continued to expand its agroecological approach through soil regeneration, biodiversity enhancement, circular resource use, and short supply chains. It also hosts events and educational activities, making the domain both a working farm and a place for learning, hospitality, and public engagement. Key Offerings Organic meat : The estate raises Aberdeen Black Angus cattle and organic Mangalica pigs. The cattle are grass-fed and kept outdoors year-round, while the pigs are raised outdoors on organic cereals and farm by-products. Organic vegetables : Domaine de Graux offers freshly harvested seasonal vegetable baskets through a short supply chain. The baskets are aimed at both private customers and retail or food-service buyers. Fruit-based products : The farm produces apple juice, jams, and other fruit-based products from its conservatory orchard and local processing partners. These products valorize heritage fruit varieties grown on the estate. Nut products : Walnuts from the estate are transformed into organic cold-pressed walnut oil and organic walnut flour. The flour is made from the by-product of oil production to reduce waste. Gift boxes : Domaine de Graux assembles gift boxes featuring products from the estate, positioned for seasonal gifting and corporate or personal occasions. Events and venue rental : The domain welcomes private and professional events such as weddings, birthdays, team-building sessions, and other gatherings in a natural setting. Core Values Respect : The farm emphasizes respect for the land, people, and living soils. Its practices are designed to regenerate the ecosystem while producing nutritious food. Sharing : Domaine de Graux values the sharing of knowledge, research, and experimentation to help advance more sustainable farming approaches. Optimism : The team believes change is possible and that collective action can make the agroecological transition successful. Biodiversity : Biodiversity is treated as a practical principle, not just a slogan, through hedges, ponds, trees, mixed species, and habitat management across the estate. Soil health : The company prioritizes fertile, living soils through crop rotations, cover crops, reduced disturbance, and ongoing soil testing. Circularity : The farm seeks to close loops between crops, animals, orchards, and energy use so that resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized. Unique Aspects Historic estate with a preserved ecosystem : The domain has been managed on the same site for centuries and now spans a landscape shaped by ponds, hedges, trees, orchards, pasture, and crop fields. Agroecology Europe founded on-site : The Agroecology Europe association was founded at Domaine de Graux in 2016, underscoring the estate’s role as a convening place for agroecological thinking and action. Backed by The Nest Family Office : The estate was acquired by The Nest Family Office, which supports projects aimed at transforming the food system and strengthening the farm’s transition work. B Corp certified : In July 2025, Domaine de Graux obtained B Corp certification, formalizing its commitments across product development, company culture, procurement, and community partnerships. Strong biodiversity and soil metrics : The farm reports long-term agroecological management, including organic certification since 2011, 12 ponds, biodiversity lanes, and soil testing that it uses to track improvements in soil organic matter and microbial activity. Local partnership network : The estate works with local processors and cooperatives for fruit, walnuts, and meat, and also collaborates with schools and community partners for education and outreach.