Tuinderij De Heerd recognized as Groningen's first hybrid social food garden

Tuinderij De Heerd in Appingedam has been recognized as the first hybrid social food garden in the province of Groningen. The recognition was officially awarded on August 28 during a visit by Provincial Deputy Nadja Siersema.

A hybrid social food garden is defined as a professionally managed ecological vegetable garden that shares its yields between paying harvest participants and households living near the poverty line, who receive fresh fruits and vegetables for free. The initiative aims to promote health, livability, and social cohesion by providing a space where residents can assist in the garden and meet one another.

This project is part of a collaboration between Stichting Sociale Voedseltuinen Nederland and Stichting Groninger Voedseltuinen, with the goal of developing three such gardens in Groningen. Tuinderij De Heerd operates as a CSA self-harvest garden using methods inspired by permaculture, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture, focusing on soil health and biodiversity without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.