De Oosterwaarde is a biodynamic farm located on ancient esground in Diepenveen, just outside Deventer, Netherlands, between Nieuw Rande and the IJsseldijk. Established in 1994, this 13-hectare farm holds a Demeter certification, emphasizing a holistic approach to agriculture that connects crops, animals, people, soil, and the environment.
The farm operates on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, providing year-round “harvest shares” of approximately 60 varieties of biodynamic vegetables and herbs to 250 participating households. These shares can be picked up at various collection points in the region, including Deventer, Olst, Wijhe, Diepenveen, and Schalkhaar. Members can choose from small, standard, or large packages, with options to add potatoes (Oscar, Vitanoire, Vitabella varieties from September to May) and eggs (sourced from a local organic farm). A modest farm shop is also available on-site, offering a range of their own seasonal vegetables, fruit, and herbs, supplemented by products from other local organic and biodynamic farms like applesauce, jams, sauces, pickles, sauerkraut, honey, plant cuttings, and flower bulbs.
For those interested in hands-on harvesting, De Oosterwaarde offers self-picking opportunities. From June to October, visitors can self-pick various fruits from the small fruit garden and orchard, including:
- Red currants
- White currants
- Blackcurrants
- Gooseberries
- Autumn raspberries
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
Additionally, a self-pick flower garden allows participants to gather many different seasonal flowers from June until the first frost in October. Both self-pick fruit and flower options are available through a seasonal share or, for flowers, by paying per bouquet during farm shop opening hours.
Beyond vegetables, fruit, and flowers, the farm also cultivates wheat and spelt grains, which are milled locally to produce their own Oosterwaarde wholemeal flour and regular flour, available in the farm shop and other local stores.
The Oosterwaarde actively fosters community involvement, inviting members to join a volunteer app group for various farm tasks throughout the year, such as weeding, picking beans, fruit harvesting, stacking hay, and collecting cucumbers, potatoes, and onions. The farm also hosts film evenings, open days, and provides space for a “Buiten BSO” (outdoor after-school care) where children engage with nature, build huts, and grow their own vegetables. Furthermore, a unique space within the farm’s red-roofed building is available for rent for group activities like yoga or meditation.
What visitors say
This farm is highly regarded as an excellent destination for a wonderful array of delicious, high-quality, and pure produce, including vegetables, fruits, potatoes, and eggs. Customers consistently praise this biodynamic farm for its fresh offerings, noting both the superb quality and affordability. Beyond direct purchases from their pleasant farm shop, they also provide the convenience of a subscription service for home delivery. However, visitors should be aware that the farm shop is not open daily.