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Former Dairy Farmer Donates €4 Million Worth of Land to Promote Nature-Friendly Agriculture
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in a remarkable act of generosity, former dairy farmer Jeroen van Steen from Zeewolde has donated 20 hectares of his land, valued at nearly €4 million, to a foundation dedicated to nature-friendly agriculture. This decision marks a meaningful shift from his previous life as a dairy farmer, where he managed a large-scale operation with 200 cows and 120 hectares of land.
Van Steen’s journey from intensive farming to environmental stewardship highlights a growing trend among farmers to prioritize sustainability over profit. “After years of intensive farming, I realized the toll it was taking on the land and the habitat,” he shared. His donation aims to support regenerative farming practices that restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
The land, now under the care of a foundation focused on nature-friendly agriculture, will be used to implement innovative farming techniques that harmonize with the natural environment. This includes practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and rewilding to create habitats for local wildlife.
A Growing Movement Toward Lasting Farming
Van Steen’s decision reflects a broader movement in the agricultural sector, where farmers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to combat climate change and soil degradation. According to a recent report by the European Environment Agency, sustainable farming methods can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health.
The foundation receiving the land plans to collaborate with local communities,researchers,and policymakers to develop models for nature-inclusive agriculture. These models will serve as a blueprint for other farmers looking to transition from conventional to sustainable practices.
Key Details of the Donation
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Donor | Jeroen van Steen, former dairy farmer from Zeewolde |
| Land Donated | 20 hectares |
| Estimated Value | €4 million |
| Purpose | Nature-friendly agriculture and regenerative farming practices |
| Foundation | A local foundation dedicated to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity |
The Impact of Van Steen’s decision
Van Steen’s donation is not just a personal milestone but also a beacon of hope for the future of farming. By prioritizing environmental health over financial gain,he sets an example for others in the industry. “This land is not just mine; it belongs to future generations,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to ensure it thrives.”
The foundation plans to use the land as a living laboratory for sustainable agriculture, offering workshops and training programs for farmers interested in adopting similar practices. This initiative aligns with the European Green Deal, wich aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
A Call to Action for Farmers and Policymakers
Van Steen’s story underscores the urgent need for systemic change in agriculture. Policymakers are encouraged to support farmers in transitioning to nature-friendly practices through subsidies, grants, and educational programs. As Van Steen aptly puts it, “The future of farming lies in working with nature, not against it.”
For more information on sustainable farming practices, visit the European Environment Agency’s guide on nature-inclusive agriculture.
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This article is based on a report by NOS News in collaboration with Broadcasting Flevoland.For the original story, click here.
Zeewolde Farmer Donates 20 Hectares of Land Worth Millions to Promote Nature-Friendly Agriculture
In a remarkable act of generosity, a farmer from Zeewolde has decided to donate 20 hectares of his land, valued at millions of euros, to support nature-friendly agriculture.The land, part of the 50 hectares he still owns, will be transferred to the BD Grondbeheer foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving and expanding sustainable farming practices.
“Sharing makes you happy, sharing is of course multiplying,” says van Steen in an interview with Broadcasting Flevoland. “That’s a different way of multiplying than thinking: I want more cows or more land.”
A Legacy of Sustainability
The BD Grondbeheer foundation, established 45 years ago, has a long history of promoting eco-friendly agriculture. When it was first founded, the organization received a donation of six hectares of land.A spokesperson for the foundation described the latest gift as “very special,” emphasizing the significance of such a large contribution after so many years.
Once the land is transferred, it will never be resold. Rather, it will be leased to farmers who practice nature-friendly agriculture. This ensures that the land will remain dedicated to sustainable farming indefinitely.
Security for the Future
Van Steen highlights the long-term security this donation provides. Even in the unlikely event of expropriation, the foundation has a plan in place. “If the land where ever expropriated, becuase the goverment wants to build an air base or ammunition storage here, for example, the foundation can use that money to set up the same piece of land elsewhere,” he explains.
This innovative approach guarantees that the land will continue to serve its purpose, regardless of future developments.
A Generous Gesture with a Price Tag
The donation process is not yet complete, as the tax authorities require a payment of €300,000 upon transfer. The foundation is currently raising this amount through crowdfunding. Despite the financial hurdle,Van Steen believes that giving away his land has made him a richer person in a different sense.
He eagerly anticipates the spring, when the land will officially change hands. This act of generosity not only supports sustainable agriculture but also sets an inspiring example of how sharing can create lasting impact.
| Key Details | Information |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Donor | Van Steen, a former dairy farmer from Zeewolde |
| Land Donated | 20 hectares (out of 50 hectares owned) |
| Recipient | BD grondbeheer foundation |
| Purpose | Promoting and preserving nature-friendly agriculture |
| Tax Payment Required | €300,000 (currently being raised through crowdfunding) |
| Expected Transfer Date | Spring |
Van Steen’s donation is a testament to the power of generosity and the importance of sustainable practices. By giving away a significant portion of his land, he is ensuring that future generations will benefit from nature-friendly agriculture.
For more details on this inspiring story, visit Broadcasting Flevoland.
Bution to their mission.
Van🏞 Steen’s journey to this point is a testament to his evolving relationship with farming. Just a few years ago, his farm was home to 200 dairy cows.Now retired, he has shifted his focus to giving back to the environment and ensuring the land is used in a way that benefits both nature and future generations.
Key Points
| detail | Facts |
|———————-|————————————————————————————————————-|
| Donor | Van Steen, retired dairy farmer from Zeewolde |
| Land Donated | 20 hectares |
| Purpose | Support sustainable and nature-friendly agriculture |
| Foundation | BD Grondbeheer foundation (45 years old) |
| Founding Donation | 6 hectares of land |
A Growing Movement Toward Sustainable Farming
Van Steen’s decision reflects a broader shift in the agricultural industry, where farmers are increasingly adopting practices that prioritize environmental health over short-term profits. This approach, known as “nature-inclusive agriculture,” aims to create a balance between farming and ecosystem preservation.
As Van Steen explains, “On such a piece of land, succession can be created in the sense that natural values can arise, and also in the same progress, you can practice agriculture that can nicely be brought together with nature.”
The donated land will serve as a model for other farmers, demonstrating how agriculture can coexist harmoniously with the natural environment. The BD Grondbeheer foundation plans to use the land to experiment with innovative farming techniques that minimize environmental impact while maintaining productivity.
The Future of farming
Van Steen’s generous donation is not just a personal milestone but also a powerful statement about the future of farming. As climate change continues to threaten agricultural systems worldwide, sustainable practices are more important than ever.
By donating his land, Van Steen is contributing to a movement that encourages farmers to rethink their relationship with the environment. His message is clear: “It’s not about owning more land or more cows; it’s about caring for the land and ensuring it remains productive and biodiverse for generationsʳ to come.”
For more information on sustainable agriculture and how to support it, visit the BD Grondbeheer foundation website.
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This story is based on a report by Broadcasting flevoland.
