Annette Harberink
Ambassador
Warmonderhof
Netherlands
Environmental
Farming
Rural village
The innovation journey
The Warmonderhof Foundation has provided training in biodynamic agriculture (DB) in the Netherlands since 1947. The Foundation has been in Dronten, Flevoland since 1993, with 85 hectares of mixed farmland, student accommodation, lecture buildings, meeting rooms, and a shop. Since 2021, Annette Harberink has directed the Foundation, managing its cooperation with Aeres MBO Dronten Warmonderhof, a diploma-granting educational institution.
She believes every innovation starts with a good idea and that if economics, in a narrow sense, is the sole focus, it is hard to make a positive impact on the world. She embarked on her innovation journey at Keizersrande (Deventer) in 2010, where she transformed a natural landscape into a DB farm over twelve years, applying her knowledge and motivation for change to practical efforts.
The innovation impact
In 2024, DB Farming celebrates its 100th anniversary in the Netherlands. Annette strives to change mindsets about DB farming by educating young people at the start of their careers. Since 2019, she has co-initiated Caring Farmers, promoting circular agriculture and forming a broader transformative coalition. The Warmonderhof, where Annette serves as director and ambassador, is a key partner, providing training, education, teaching facilities, internships, and practical testing.
DB farming has introduced innovations such as Zuiver Zuivel in Limmen, De Groene Weg slaughterhouses, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), promoting community-led management of goods and services. While pioneering can be challenging, it fuels her motivation. Annette is an inspiring activist and ambassador for many.