SPECIAL EDITION: DECEMBER-JANUARY

Dear Boerengroepies,

As the new year unfolds, hibernation wraps our world in a snowy embrace.

Yet, our spirits are ablaze, eager for the year's embrace.

Reflecting on the past, we find joy in acknowledging achievements and dreams that deploy. Gratitude extends to all who seek, to fathom Boerengroep's journey unique.

In this newsletter, a tale unfolds, of times gone by and stories untold. A year full for the Stichting we've known, a journey with seeds of knowledge sown.

Once more, the Farm Experience thrived a decade's celebration, a journey revived. A growing community, curious and keen, embarked with us on the journey unseen.

Through reinvention, our structure is refined, adapting to the currents of the present we find. A dance with change, a rhythm to play, in the context we live, evolving each day.

As we step into the new year, reflecting on the past brings a smile to our faces. From enchanting food forest excursions

to heartwarming moments shared during our holiday special—the joy of celebrating Christmas together—it's been a journey filled with camaraderie.

Cheers to the year that lies ahead, to adventures new, where dreams are bred. With warmth and joy, our spirits aligned; in the tapestry of time, our stories entwined.

Wishing you a year of wonders untold, where dreams take flight, and memories unfold.

RECLAIM THE SEEDS WAGENINGEN 2024:

?? Join Our Team for Reclaim the Seeds Wageningen 2024! ??

Dive into the heart of our mission as Boerengroep aims to bring you a local edition of Reclaim the Seeds (RtS) in Spring 2024!

Boerengroep Foundation is passionate about fostering healthy and social agriculture, encouraging a critical mindset among students and farmers. Our activities range from farm excursions, discussions, lectures, and courses to film evenings.

Now, we're excited to present Reclaim the Seeds—a regional event that goes beyond seed exchange. ?? Originally a protest against EU seed legislation, it now addresses resistance to crop patents and advocates for climate-neutral, 'fossil-free' agriculture.

THROWBACK TO MEANINGFUL EVENTS

Exploring the Future of Agriculture

Embark on an investigative journey into the heart of Rotterdam's visionary floating farm! Join us as we delve into the complexities of urban farming, scrutinize the noble intentions behind a floating dairy system, and ponder its potential impact on the agricultural landscape. Question the financial landscape, and navigate the vision versus the current reality. Will floating dairy farms revolutionize agriculture or remain a tantalizing hype? Critical questions arise about its potential impact on issues like methane emissions, animal welfare, and the slaughter of calves. Does the floating dairy farm truly shape the future of agriculture, especially in animal husbandry? Click here to delve into the full journal and join the conversation! ???? #AgriculturalInnovation #FloatingDairyFarm #FutureOfFarming

HUMANS OF BOERENGROEP

Dear Boerengroepies,

As we welcome the new year, we find ourselves in a reflective mood. Today, we share with you a personal journey within Boerengroep—a journey marked by growth, exploration, and meaningful connections.

Get to know the vibrant individuals who make up the heart and soul of Boerengroep in our "Humans of Boerengroep" section. We shine a spotlight on our diverse and passionate members, sharing their unique stories, interests, and contributions to our community. From students with a green thumb to creative enthusiasts and change-makers, this section celebrates the people who bring life and energy to our organization. Discover their journeys, inspirations, and the exciting projects they're involved in. It's a space where we connect on a personal level and celebrate the rich tapestry of talents that make Boerengroep thrive. Join us in getting to know the humans behind the scenes, and you might just find a kindred spirit

As I attended the first board meeting at Johanna's house in Bennekom in October or November 2021, little did I know it would mark the beginning of an enriching experience with Boerengroep. Joining the board alongside Anouk and Ruben, we navigated the challenges and joys of steering Boerengroep's mission in the coming year.

Choosing Wageningen wasn't an easy decision for me. In the anxious anticipation before my move, Boerengroep lingered in my mind as a constant image. It was the embodiment of my aspirations related to agroecology, student organizations, and peasantries – guiding my decisions and promising an escape from purely formal and aseptic academic pursuits.

In my youthful idealism, I envisioned my Master's as a solution to existential doubts, anticipating a European intellectual scenario vastly different from my previous experiences in Brazil. The dreams of a more authentic life intertwined with farming were somewhat detached from reality, but Boerengroep offered a bridge. It became a place where dreams met mediation, a space where I found connection and understanding amidst the complexities of agriculture and society.

Boerengroep, a collective of individuals driven by diverse motivations, serves as a nexus for those interested in farming's multifaceted role – as a way of life and a socio-economic, environmental, and agronomic challenge. For me, it became a grounding force, fostering friendships that endure. It also served as a gallery of diverse pathways taken by those sharing similar interests. Previous board members and coordinators, now scattered around Wageningen and the world, embody the possibilities in alternative agriculture.

This community not only grounded me but provided a platform to turn ideas into action. Boerengroep is more than a student organization; it's a space for in-depth debates, thoughtful discussions, and collaborative initiatives with individuals who possess a shared disquiet with agriculture.

While there's ample room for Boerengroep's growth, the challenges of short-term memory loss in student organizations and the evolving landscape of activist students require adaptation. Boerengroep has the potential to root itself more deeply, connecting with past members and contributing to the burgeoning agroecological movement in the Netherlands.

My journey with Boerengroep has been one of growth and exploration. It's a space I value for fostering creativity and facilitating connections among diverse individuals passionate about agriculture in the Netherlands and beyond. As we, the world,? moves forward, I hope Boerengroep continues to be a catalyst for existential, theoretical, and political creativity, responding to the disquiet within agriculture.

?

Hallo, hello, everyone!

My name is Daphne. I write you as the current ‘chair’ of this beautiful inspiring and energetic group that is Boerengroep. I joined last year with the ambition of digging into degrowth and agriculture, but got dragged a bit away in my graduation process to really dig deep in that. But, I did manage to organize some excursions to dairy farmers who are looking for other models out of the current mess. This brought us to Brummen and Schiermonnikoog, with a group of students who are equally looking for other pathways in dairy farming.

This is what I love the most about Boerengroep: the ability to inspire or be inspired, and break open the horizons of possibilities to people, providing alternatives to the status quo that captures the imagination. I love how welcoming the group is, and how people can be empowered to pursue their interests and passions related to food and farming. The excursions are always a really good time, and our discussions at meetings and hangouts are also engaging – I always learn something new when I speak to the fellow boerengroepies.

This learning has shaped me as a person. I grew up in the city Almere, where I only realized after I left that a connection to community and land was what had led me to feel unrooted there. It was also only after I left that I found out that the Flevocampus exists and that Flevoland actually has a big agricultural sector. No doubt: taking a bit of distance from familiarity opens up room to see and experience different things. With Boerengroep, (though also during my studies with Rural Sociology), I was able to learn further about farming, through the stories of farmer’s themselves, as producers of our food and stewards of the land. It has definitely awaked up a different consciousness of the human body, the immense importance of food and how cities like the one I grew up in depend on food producers. Boerengroep has allowed me to learn about the struggles of farmers and how the food system hangs together. This fostered a compassion for solidarity and ignited a fire to stand for food, food producers and the ecologies that we all depend on.

I will end this little bit about me with an invitation to the reader to feel welcome at our organization, and to feel encouraged to explore, challenge assumptions, sow seeds, build and cross bridges, and become immersed in the world of food and farming. No matter how distanced you might feel from farming (like I did), do not hesitate to approach us. Feel welcome to join and get involved. In the end, we are all connected through what we eat.?

Hartelijke groetjes,

Daphne

?

STAY CONNECTED WITH STICHTING BOERENGROEP

January Calendar

As we step into the new year, let's embark on a journey filled with engaging events and insightful gatherings at Stichting Boerengroep. We want to ensure you're part of our vibrant community spirit, and what better way to stay connected than through our regular events!

?? Open Meetings: Every Other Tuesday at the clokc house building (Generaal Foulkseweg 37). Join us every other Tuesday for our Open Meetings—an inclusive space where ideas blossom, discussions flourish, and connections thrive. These sessions are an excellent opportunity to contribute your thoughts, share your insights, and actively participate in shaping the direction of Stichting Boerengroep.

?? Boerengroep Breaks: Every Other Thursday at Onder de Linden or De Superette. Take a break and join us every other Thursday for Boerengroep Breaks. These laid-back sessions provide the perfect environment to unwind, connect with fellow members, and enjoy casual conversations over a virtual cup of tea or coffee. It's a time to relax, share stories, and foster the sense of community that makes Boerengroep special.

?? January Event Calendar: Your Guide to Engaging Activities. To make sure you don't miss any of our exciting events, we've prepared a January Event Calendar. This calendar serves as your go-to guide, outlining the dates and details of all the happenings throughout the month. Stay in the loop and mark your calendars to join us for a month filled with enriching experiences.

What are the events about?

1. Organic Sector Action in Brussels Date: 11 January Info: More details here (in Dutch only)
2. Biokennisweek: Uniting the Organic Agriculture Sector Date: 15-18 January Info: Join the organic agriculture community during Biokennisweek. General tickets are available here. Students can attend for free; find specific details here. More details here
3. Borenlandbouw Conferentie 2024 Date: 25-27 January Info: More details here (in Dutch only)
4. BIOFACH 2024Date: February 13-16 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre.?? About BIOFACH: A Global Celebration of Organic Prowess Since 1990, BIOFACH has been the ultimate gathering for organic enthusiasts—from pioneers to newcomers, all connected by a shared passion for organic food and a commitment to sustainable practices. The fair serves as a dynamic platform where industry stakeholders come together to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and celebrate the remarkable journey of organic products from farm to table. More info and tickets here

HIGHLIGHT EVENT OF THE MONTH

WUR & THE NITROGEN CRISIS

We invite you to join a collective reflection on Wageningen University and Research's role in shaping and addressing the current nitrogen crisis and the broader agricultural challenges we face.

Emeritus Professor Jan Douwe van der Ploeg, renowned in agricultural sociology, will share his insights into the historical and contemporary dimensions of the nitrogen crisis.

Accompanying him are Esther Turnhout, Chair of Science, Technology & Society at the University of Twente, and Henk Oostindie, a researcher at the Rural Sociology of Wageningen University. Together, they will contribute additional perspectives to Professor van der Ploeg's narrative.

The event will include an interactive session with the audience, featuring questions and discussions facilitated by Stichting Boerengroep. This platform aims to foster collective reflections on the current agricultural landscape, drawing lessons from the past and contemplating steps for the future.

Event Details:

• Date: 24 January 2024
• Time: 19:00 - 21:00
• Venue: Wageningen Campus, Impulse, Speakers Corner (Building 115)

We look forward to your active participation in this insightful event.

??? Stichting Boerengroep Podcast: Episode Release!

Greetings, wonderful listeners! The latest episode of the Stichting Boerengroep Podcast is now live, and you don't want to miss this one!

?? Episode Title: "Can Organic Farming Feed the World?"

??? Host: Join our fantastic host, Lisanne, as she delves into the intriguing question of whether organic farming has the potential to feed the world.

?? Special Guest: Featuring André Jurrius, a seasoned biodynamic farmer from Ekoboerederij De Lingehof. André brings a wealth of experience and insights to the conversation.

Tune in for enlightening discussions on topics ranging from pesticides to finding the delicate balance between producing healthy food and preserving nature. Explore the challenges within the food chain and much more!

?? Listen Now: Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Youtube

Let the morning rays accompany you as you embark on this insightful journey into the world of organic farming. Happy listening! ????

What's in SEASON?

Culinary Delights: A Christmas Special

Dear Food Enthusiasts,

In our "What's in Season" rubric, we're thrilled to bring you a special Christmas edition that captures the festive spirit through the lens of culinary excellence. In this edition, we're delighted to showcase the talents of two remarkable individuals from our community: Kaloyan and Chiara. Join us on a gastronomic journey as they share two enchanting Christmas dishes that represent the rich traditions of Bulgaria and Italy.

???? Kaloyan's Bulgarian Christmas Dish: [Тиквеник - Tikvenik] Discover the warmth and flavors of Bulgarian Christmas with Kaloyan's delightful recipe. Immerse yourself in the festive traditions of Bulgaria as he guides you through the steps of crafting a dish that embodies the essence of the holiday season.

???? Chiara's Italian Christmas Dish: [Cassoni] Chiara invites you to experience the magic of an Italian Christmas through her mouthwatering recipe. Uncover the secrets of traditional Italian cuisine as Chiara shares a dish that harmonizes the essence of Christmas with the richness of Italian culinary heritage.

?? Why Cook with Seasonal Ingredients? At Stichting Boerengroep, we believe that cooking with seasonal vegetables not only elevates the taste of your creations but also aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. Embracing the beauty of seasonal eating allows us to connect with nature's bounty and reduce our ecological footprint.

?? Get Ready to Celebrate: Whether you're a seasoned chef or an avid food lover, our Christmas recipes are crafted to inspire your creativity in the kitchen. Let's celebrate the joy of cooking with the freshest ingredients and savor the magic of the season together!

Warm regards, Stichting Boerengroep ????

What is Stichting Boerengroep?

Boerengroep is a critical organization that organizes lectures and interactive events to raise awareness about the challenges and alternatives in agriculture.

We have board meetings twice per month on Tuesdays, where anyone interested in helping organize events can join, and every alternate Thursday, we organize informal meet-ups: Boerengroep Breaks!