Fruit farms

Jordens Flora en Fauna B.V. is a mixed organic/ecological agricultural business in Heemskerk. They strive for small-scale and sustainable production without chemicals or fossil fuels, with regional sales and corporate social responsibility as their goals. The company grows vegetables and palm trees and keeps sheep and laying hens. Consumers can purchase fresh organic free-range eggs directly from the organic kiosk on the farm. Fresh strawberries are available from May to October. Seasonally, tomatoes, bell peppers, yardlong beans, and palm trees are also available. The company strives for a closed-loop system and minimizes waste by feeding crop residues to the sheep and composting the rest. Chickens are used for snail and weed control. Reuse is key, for example, by giving rope from the riding arena a second life and reusing strawberry boxes. The company also offers agritourism/accommodation and daytime activities in ““De Pluktuin”” (The Pick-a-Look Garden).

Stadstuinderij NoordOogst is a self-picking farm located in Amsterdam-Noord, where members can harvest their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs every week. The farm includes a 4000 m2 vegetable garden and a 2000 m2 food forest. They practice natural farming methods, avoiding artificial fertilizers and pesticides, while prioritizing nature conservation. The farm also organizes workshops and educational activities for children, serves as a neighborhood composting site, and strives to be a community hub.

Waalwortel is a regenerative self-picking farm located in Nijmegen-West, Netherlands, operating on the grounds of the former Sancta Maria convent in Hees. The farm focuses on sustainable food production using the no-dig method, which minimizes soil disturbance to improve soil structure and preserve beneficial soil organisms. This approach is described as exceeding organic practices. The farm cultivates over 50 varieties of vegetables and herbs on approximately 900 square meters. Participants can harvest around 5 to 6 different seasonal vegetables each week, including both familiar and forgotten varieties, as well as occasional flowers or fruits from the surrounding woods. The produce is grown in open ground, relying on sunlight, water, and a rich soil ecosystem to enhance its flavor.

Vreedebest is a self-picking farm and tea garden located just outside Dokkum in Friesland, Netherlands. The farm boasts a biodiverse garden on its grounds that offers something to see in any weather. In season, a shop sells sustainable gifts, tea, coffee, homemade baked goods, jams, and syrups made with fruit and herbs from the farm itself, all pure and unsprayed, using organic cane sugar and no artificial additives. Children can enjoy the grounds with winding paths, scavenger hunts, and an escape game for older kids. They can also pick their own bouquets. Parents are asked to supervise their children, as the grounds are large and there are ditches.

Fruitbedrijf Masteling is a Dutch company specializing in the cultivation, storage, and sorting of apples and pears. They produce high-quality fruit from Dutch soil. The company was founded in 1958 and has grown from a small horticultural business to a full-fledged fruit-growing operation. They grow various apple varieties, including Elstar, Jonagold, Golden, Delbare, Fuyi, Magic Star®, Rubens®, and Junami®. Their pear selection includes Conference, Doyenné du Comice, Beurré Alexander Lucas, Sweet Sensation®, Gräfin Gepa® (hand pears), and Gieser Wildeman (stew pears).

De Mikkelhorst is an ecological care farm located in Haren, Netherlands. It offers various activities and facilities including a petting zoo, playground, pick-your-own garden, tea room, and a shop selling regional products. The farm provides day activities for people with disabilities, focusing on meaningful work and social inclusion. Volunteers also contribute to the farm’s operations in areas like gardening, building maintenance, the shop, reception, and animal care. Visitors can enjoy picking their own ecologically grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the garden. The farm also has a bee colony managed by volunteers, and sells frozen meat in their shop.

Fruittuin van West is an organic-dynamic pick-your-own farm in Amsterdam. The farm is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 18:00. There is a farm shop, a garden café and an orchard where visitors can pick their own fruit. The farm focuses on sustainability and circularity, and regularly hosts events. The orchard grows various types of fruit, such as apples, pears and berries. What visitors say Fruittuin van West is a delightful destination just outside Amsterdam, offering a rural escape with a focus on organic, sustainable practices. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature by picking their own fruits and vegetables (seasonal availability varies, so check the website beforehand), gathering fresh eggs, and interacting with farm animals like chickens and pigs. The venue includes a charming organic market with a wide selection of locally sourced products, plus a cozy café where guests can enjoy delicious homemade pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

Très Jolie is an ecological small fruit farm located in De Glind, Netherlands. The farm cultivates various types of small fruit, including berries, blackberries, and raspberries. It aims to be a ““sensory garden”” where visitors can relax and enjoy nature. Très Jolie offers a wide range of berries, available for self-picking on designated days or for purchase in various health food stores during the season. They also process the berries into products such as fruit preserves, syrup, vinegar, juices, chutney, jelly, and dried fruit, which are sold at markets and in shops.