Last Tuesday, 17 June, we gathered with the consortium at Zonnegoed on Joost van Strien's farm for our biannual consortium meeting. With summer temperatures, the farm proved the ideal place to reflect on the direction of CropMix. What results have we achieved (harvested) in the first half and what seeds do we still need to plant to make the second half successful?

Results of the first half

Erik Poelman opened the day by giving a very short overview of the main results so far. In particular, from the monitoring of the farm network, we see that strip cropping compared to full-field cropping makes a positive contribution to biodiversity. Especially for birds, this result is clearly visible. We also see more pest suppression by natural enemies. We are also achieving indirect results, for instance during thematic meetings where farmers exchange information on measures such as compost tea to revitalise their crops, or by working with RVO on simplifying crop registration.

To further map our harvest, participants divided themselves into four thematic tables: ecological added value of mixed cropping systems, the farm, the chain, and society. At each table, the group asked themselves: what were the eye-openers? And what has been achieved on this theme over the past 2.5 years? Rapidly, the sheets filled with insights and lively discussions ensued.

After a well-earned lunch, naturally, we headed into the field. Joost van Strien and Sanne van Leeuwen gave a tour of the farm. We looked at the strip cropping fields including potato, pumpkin and lucerne, an important crop for Zonnegoed. The lucerne is used as vegan fertiliser. The entire farm is now vegan certified and no longer uses animal manure.

What immediately catches the eye is also the beating heart of the farm: the now 5-year-old food forest that has been planted in the middle of the farm. In time, Joost also wants to sell products from the food forest, but for now it is a matter of patience and letting the forest grow. Nevertheless, it is already providing value: it is a nice and beautiful place to be and it is bursting with biodiversity.

What is left to do?

Once back in the barn, we pondered what is left to be 'sown' for the second half of CropMix. What do we still want to achieve? Numerous ideas quickly emerged, most of which revolve around sharing our findings. How do we get the new knowledge to the right people who can do something for the transition to sustainable agriculture? Not just farmers, but also local authorities, chain parties and green education. Plenty of actions we can get started on.

We thank Joost and his team for their hospitality and look forward to what comes next!