Natuurboerderij KipEigen, located in Loosdrecht, is a regenerative farm dedicated to producing pure, unsprayed food on living soil, with an emphasis on nature restoration. The farm operates on agro-ecological principles, integrating chicken and sheep farming with vegetable, herb, and fruit cultivation to create a balanced, climate-positive ecosystem.
Visitors can enjoy fruit picking days during summer and late summer, offering a chance to self-pick various types of fruit from the high-stem orchard, notably apples.
Beyond self-picking, the farm provides a wide array of over 60 different vegetables and herbs, available through weekly harvest boxes (CSA model) and a farm stand. This diverse selection includes:
- Leafy Greens & Cabbages: Andijvie (Endive), Bataviasla (Batavia Lettuce), Bindsla (Romaine Lettuce), Bladmosterd (Leaf Mustard), Boerenkool (Kale), Catalogna (Italian chicory), Groenlof (Sugarloaf Chicory), Mesclun (Salad Mix), Palmkool (Black Kale), Raapsteel (Turnip Greens), Radicchio, Rucola (Arugula), Russische Bladkool (Russian Kale), Sla (Lettuce - various types), Spinazie (Spinach), Stengelsla (Stem Lettuce/Asparagus Lettuce), Winterpostelein (Winter Purslane), Zomerpostelein (Summer Purslane).
- Fruiting Vegetables: Aubergine (Eggplant), Courgette (Zucchini), Doperwt (Peas), Edamame (Young Soybeans), Kapucijner (Field Peas), Komkommer (Cucumber), Patisson (Pattypan Squash), Paprika (Bell Pepper), Pepers (Chili Peppers), Peultjes (Snow Peas), Pompoen (Pumpkin - various types), Pronkboon (Runner Beans), Sperzieboon (Green Beans), Tomaat (Tomato - various types), Tuinboon (Broad Beans), Tuinboontoppen (Broad Bean Shoots).
- Root & Tuber Vegetables: Aardappel (Potato), Aardpeer (Jerusalem Artichoke), Gele Biet (Yellow Beetroot), Knolselderij (Celeriac), Koolrabi (Kohlrabi), Meiraap (Turnip), Radijs (Radish), Rettich (Daikon Radish), Rode Biet (Red Beetroot), Slangenradijs (Snake Radish), Wortel (Carrot - various colors), Wortelpeterselie (Parsley Root).
- Alliums: Bosknoflook (Wild Garlic), Bosui (Spring Onion), Knoflook (Garlic - various types including scapes), Oerprei (Ancient Leek), Prei (Leek), Sint-jansui (St. John’s Onion), Sjalot (Shallot), Ui (Onion - yellow, red, white).
- Herbs & Edible Flowers/Shoots: Basilicum (Basil - including cinnamon basil), Bieslook (Chives), Bladpeterselie (Leaf Parsley), Bonenkruid (Savory), Huacatay (Peruvian Black Mint), Kervel (Chervil), Koriander (Cilantro), Laurier (Bay Leaf), Lavas (Lovage), Munt (Mint), Oost-Indische Kers (Nasturtium - leaves and flowers), Peterselie (Parsley), Rozemarijn (Rosemary), Salie (Sage), Koolbloemetjes (Cabbage Flowers), Koolscheuten/Boerenbimi (Kale Shoots/Farmer’s Bimi), Peulenscheuten (Pea Shoots).
In addition to produce, Natuurboerderij KipEigen offers PFAS-free fresh eggs from naturally kept double-purpose chickens, and meat from roosters raised on the farm. Honey, jams, and syrups are also sometimes available.
The farm also hosts tours, workshops, educational excursions for schools, and provides opportunities for aspiring farmers through a “learner farmer” program, internships, and volunteering.
What visitors say
Customers consistently laud this self-picking farm for its commendable initiative and the passion of its operators. The produce is frequently described as delicious and high-quality, reflecting a strong commitment to natural and ethical practices, including ensuring a good life for their chickens.