Dutch Citizens Fund Local Grain Networks to Restore Biodiversity on Farmland

2026-03-20 green

Netherlands, Friday, 20 March 2026.
Land van Ons cooperative demonstrates how community investment can transform agriculture by funding farmers like Howard Koster to create sustainable grain supply chains that prioritize biodiversity over conventional farming methods.

Cooperative Selection Drives Agricultural Innovation

Howard Koster and Claudi Rudorf represent a new generation of farmers chosen by Land van Ons to transform conventional agriculture into biodiverse ecosystems [1]. The pair, who previously lived in Berlin, Germany, now lease 25 hectares of farmland in Millingen aan de Rijn in Gelderland province [1]. Koster, who studied organic farming at Wageningen University where he met Rudorf, holds a SKAL certificate and focuses on organic farming methods [1]. Their selection by the citizen cooperative demonstrates how Land van Ons strategically identifies farmers committed to biodiversity restoration rather than conventional yield maximization.

Building Regional Grain Networks

The initiative extends beyond individual farms to create comprehensive local food systems. For the past two years, farmers in the ‘Rijk van Nijmegen’ area have been working to establish a local grain chain that connects wheat production directly to regional consumption [1]. This network involves local wheat being processed into flour at de Witte Molen mill and subsequently sold to local bakers, creating a closed-loop system that reduces transportation emissions while supporting regional economic development [1]. Last week, farmers, bakers, and miller Hans convened at Pizzacafé Desem to finalize operational details of this grain chain [1].

Traditional Methods Meet Modern Sustainability

The collaborative approach mirrors historical agricultural practices, as noted by miller Hans who began his operations in 1978 [1]. The system they devised allows local farmers to deliver wheat directly to the mill, where Hans grinds and mixes the grain before bakers conduct test baking to ensure quality standards [1]. “Ja, zo deden we het toen ik begon met malen in 1978 ook,” Hans observed, highlighting how sustainable practices often represent a return to traditional methods rather than entirely new innovations [1]. This approach addresses what participants identify as the core challenge: balancing farmers’ need for predictable income with bakers’ requirements for consistent supply and quality [1].

Broader Impact on Dutch Agricultural Policy

Land van Ons actively promotes biodiversity restoration as a central consideration in local governance, particularly during the recent municipal council elections held on March 18, 2026 [2][7]. The cooperative emphasizes that municipalities significantly influence landscape management through decisions about public spaces, including reduced mowing, pesticide-free maintenance, green roofs on bus stops, and organic food in cafeterias [2][7]. The organization advocates for integrating biodiversity impact assessments into all municipal decisions, asking “what does this mean for biodiversity, how does this contribute to restoration?” [2][7]. Their broader mission of daily biodiversity restoration work demonstrates how citizen cooperatives can influence agricultural policy at multiple governance levels simultaneously.

Bronnen

agricultural biodiversity citizen cooperative