forest.farm

Forest Farm is a Belgian non-profit organization focused on regenerative and agroecological farming in harmony with nature and the local community. It works in the Asse area, where it brings together landowners, farmers, volunteers, and public partners around long-term projects that combine food production, biodiversity, landscape care, and community access. The organization presents itself as a facilitator of sustainable land use rather than a conventional farm. It helps structure cooperation between landowners and farmers, supports the setup of infrastructure and plantings, and promotes food forests, nature-friendly agriculture, and open landscapes that can also be enjoyed by walkers and neighbors. Key Offerings Land access and project coordination : Forest Farm helps connect landowners with committed farmers and structures each project through a shared charter and tailored agreements. It coordinates the long-term framework for using land for sustainable agriculture. Infrastructure and planting support : The organization supports the creation of fixed plantings and farm infrastructure such as ponds, streams, poelen, wadi’s, hedges, tree lines, paths, fencing, and irrigation. It also helps organize planting days and initial project investments. Food forest and regenerative agriculture projects : Forest Farm develops and supports food forest initiatives, agroforestry plantings, and agroecological farming projects. Its approach emphasizes biodiversity, soil care, and productive landscapes without pesticides or chemical inputs. Tree planting and donation products : Through its online shop, Forest Farm offers symbolic tree-planting donations such as large trees, nut trees, fruit trees, berry shrubs, and CO2 compensation options. Donors can have a tree planted in their name or contribute to the project financially. Core Values Regeneration and agroecology : Forest Farm promotes farming that closes natural cycles and avoids pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and other chemical inputs. Its charter requires 100% agroecological or organic cultivation within supported projects. Biodiversity and nature integration : The organization aims to make agriculture and nature coexist on the same land, with space reserved for habitats, water features, hedges, and other ecological elements. Biodiversity is treated as part of the farming model, not as an add-on. Community and collaboration : Forest Farm emphasizes cooperation between landowners, farmers, neighbors, authorities, and volunteers. It also values public access, educational activities, and shared stewardship of the landscape. Long-term responsibility : The projects are designed as long-term partnerships with clear agreements, investment plans, and shared expectations. Forest Farm stresses continuity, transparency, and careful management of land over time. Unique Aspects Shared charter model : Forest Farm uses a formal charter and two-layer agreement structure to define cooperation between landowners, the non-profit, and farmers. This gives each project a long-term framework while allowing it to be tailored to the specific land and farmer. Multiple land parcels in Asse : The organization currently manages 7 hectares of agricultural land in Asse, including the Putberg and Bekenveld sites. These parcels have been developed with food forest plantings, ponds, wadi’s, and other nature-based features. Public landscape projects : Beyond farming, Forest Farm has opened or restored walking paths, created a public picnic area, and developed wet nature and educational demonstration areas. This makes the land useful both for production and for local recreation and learning. Support for new farmers : Forest Farm explicitly helps beginning farmers with start-up investments such as fencing, water supply, electricity, plant material, and protective infrastructure. It positions itself as a practical partner for launching a self-picking farm or similar sustainable project.