Organic farm ‘t Schop is a beef farm, orchard, vegetable garden and a selling point for local farm produce. Also, it has a kitchen where groups of people can cook together while being supported by Master Chefs. And the “barn” is used to accommodate meetings. The farm is a prime example of social innovation.

Story Telling is Important

The social innovation, practiced by the farm ‘t Schop, stems from a desire to invest in the relationship between consumers and producers, which is the reason why story telling is a very important element of every activity at the farm. The innovation process started around 1990, and is still ongoing. It has a regional outreach and spill-over effect. The main initiators were the entrepreneurs themselves.

The Drivers are Manifold

Local sales, organic production, group activities and farm visits are important drivers. But political vision in combination with social needs and consumer habits has also played a big role in driving the project. The educational purpose of the farm to show the environment and what actually happens on the farm through interns and classroom visits has also been an important driver.

The Challenges

The main challenge for the entrepreneurs was to run the day-to-day business, while also being part of a project. Difficult questions about the future possibilities of the business always loom in the horizon. Questions such as: How to proceed? What is the next step?

Who Supported the Project?

The entrepreneurs were supported by Marjon Krol (ZLTO advisor) who backed up the idea from the beginning and during the different phases of the innovation. The project was also supported by LIB (financial support for innovation) and other financially supporting bodies like the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment through their Green Deal and the Province of Noord-Brabant. The foundation for Nature Farmers also has a share in the project. Besides, the entrepreneurs work together with the local forestry commission, which makes the success of ‘t Schop even more incredible!

Read more about the Dutch Cross Visit.