Herenboerderij Op ’t Lies, located near Breda, Netherlands, is a cooperative farm run by 250 households and a professional farmer. Members are producers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. They collectively grow a variety of fresh produce including vegetables, fruit, eggs, and meat for those interested.
The farm spans 20 hectares and utilizes nature-inclusive methods, avoiding chemical pesticides and following regenerative principles. Members can pick up their share of freshly harvested food weekly, typically on Saturdays, with occasional experiments for alternative pick-up days like Wednesdays.
The farm includes a fruit orchard designed using permaculture principles, a chicken caravan where hens roam freely, and a large pasture for pigs. Members’ children can pick herbs from the herb garden and fruit from the trees. The farm practices circular agriculture.
Visitors can join guided tours every last Saturday of the month at 11:00 AM or try a four-week trial membership. The farm also encourages community involvement through various committees like “Helping the Farmer,” and keeps its members up-to-date through its instagram page.
What visitors say
This cooperative farm is a fantastic initiative providing its members with delicious, fresh, and seasonal produce, including vegetables and eggs from their own chickens. Members appreciate the quality and unique taste of the food, as well as the convenient location for many. The community involvement, such as helping with the harvest and distribution, adds to the appeal of this owner-operated farm. Enthusiastic members are actively recommending the farm to others, highlighting the great concept and encouraging participation through information sessions. They hope that more of these initiatives will exist in the Netherlands. There are still spots open for new members, encouraging people to sign up quickly.