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During this cross-visit, we will explore the close relationship between Boerenbond, as an Innovation Support Service, and the farmers we visit. The focus will be on the innovation spiral and the key functions of an Innovation Support Service. Engaging discussions with farmers and Boerenbond advisors will provide insights into their experiences with innovation, challenges, and the role of advisory support. This cross-visit is organised within the Horizon Europe ATTRACTISS project.

Fruit Farm Van der Velpen - A family-run farm specializing in environmentally friendly and organic cultivation of apples and pears.

Farm Brewery Hof ten Dormaal - A family-run farm that grows its own grain and hops for its on-farm brewery.

The visit concludes with a walking dinner at Farm Brewery Hof ten Dormaal, returning to Leuven around 21:00.

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Welcome to Boerenbond

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About Boerenbond

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Jan Van der Velpen – farming in the second generation

Operates two farms: one organic, one conventional

Uses one organic field as a model to learn and improve other fields

Grows resistant varieties suitable for organic farming

Cultivates 11 varieties of apples → leads to a long harvest season

Also grows 5 varieties of pears

Gains valuable insights by comparing organic and conventional practices

Focus on sustainability, diversity, and future-oriented farming

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Uses irrigation during droughts and to protect against frost.

Actively involved in projects due to family tradition and academic background in the field.

Member of a cooperative in Leuven that sells agricultural products directly within the city.

Only 80% of the harvest is sold through traditional auctions.

Plans to introduce new fruit varieties over the next 10 years.

Pears are a major export product of the region; the apple market is nearly saturated.

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Attractis powerpoint einfügen

Link zu Cartoon the rise of an Innovation

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https://form.jotform.com/231712894955063

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Originally started with a brewery, but after it burned down, they were not allowed to rebuild because their U.S. exports disqualified them from being considered a small business.

Workshops are permitted on agricultural farms, but operating a restaurant is not allowed.

It's essential to continuously adapt your USP (unique selling proposition) to avoid becoming boring or irrelevant.

Implemented a traffic light system for evaluating consultations:

Red = Life-changing advice

Yellow = Important advice

Green = Less relevant advice

This helps with filtering and gaining clarity.

In recent years:

Switched to organic farming

Introduced pick-your-own flower fields

Currently: "Beer beef" – cattle are fed with brewery by-products

Participated in a TV show focused on improving business marketing. Initially skeptical due to the drama-heavy format, but ultimately grateful for the experience.

Organize networking trips with other farmers to exchange knowledge and build connections.

Private individuals can buy solar panels and, in return, receive farm shop products – with a 50% profit margin for the farm.

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It proofs when you are doing a good job, the farmers will call you 7 to 7 and bring you flowers when you are sick