Angelien Hertgers
Innovator
Tuinderij De Stroom
Netherlands
Economic
Farming
Rural village
The innovation journey
Angelien Hertgers and Welmoet de Waard founded Tuinderij De Stroom in 2005 in the village of Hemmen, cultivating one hectare of open land for 75 customers. Initially a small enterprise using a packing shed at the Philadelphia care farm, they expanded with Linde Swart joining as a co-partner in 2012 by moving to the nearby Ecofarm De Lingehof. Today, they farm 4 hectares integrated into a large parcel at De Lingehof, rotating between plots to optimize soil fertility.
To grow healthier vegetables, the team focuses on ecological landscape management, organic fertilizer, and cultivating approximately 40 crop varieties. Volunteers and interns work alongside the owners, fostering a community where new farmers receive coaching and support. Recently, Tuinderij De Stroom diversified further by planting a “high-stem” orchard featuring heritage apple varieties, inviting customers to adopt trees and harvest their own fruit.
The innovation impact
The farm’s core innovation centers on the “Hemmense vegetable or fruit bag,” which combines their own harvest with local organic products like bread and cheese from neighboring farmers. They currently sell over 450 bags weekly, distributed to surrounding villages via more than 20 pick-up points. Every Friday afternoon, the farm opens for engaging social activities and on-site sales, serving as a local food hub.
Their advice for anyone wishing to start a similar venture is to approach local country estates or landowners to rent a small parcel of land. By making plans to combine forces for the mutual benefit of all parties, you can lay the foundation for your own farm.