The debate over natural versus agricultural land management is flaring up again. In Trouw, Gert Jan Jansen, owner of the Hof van Twello, argues that creating natural landscapes and making money are not mutually exclusive.

‘Why should land that is now farmed for a pittance not be turned into landscapes that are ecologically sound and visually pleasing and make money into the bargain? In the old days, hedgerows were used as cattle fences, while wooded banks were sources of fire wood and groves provided wood for building.
Ground ivy and hogweed
It seems so logical. Fresh nuts and unusual plants, herbs, herbal teas, mushrooms, plant based medicines, all these products are in demand and can be produced on small areas of natural landscape.
I decided to just go ahead and try it. On my land we harvest lots of nettles, flowerheads, rose petals, elderberries, evening primrose, chickweed, hazelnuts, mushrooms and burdock, ground ivy and hogweed.
What was a bare meadow has now been turned into a small (18 hectares), beautiful landscape with lanes and canals, hedgerows and shrubberies. And in the best traditions of agriculture we use them all to make products.
Thriving
Farmer who are only allowed to grow the base material lose out. It is not for nothing that the small farmers who were once looked down upon have begun to process their own produce again and are now thriving. They are making cheese, jam, eggnog or wine and reach their audience by offering recreational and educational activities.
They seem to weather the crisis well. Traditional farmers, both big and small, will continue to fall by the wayside unless they find a way to distinguish themselves. It pays.
I call on farmers to ‘just go ahead’. What I can do, you can do. There are so many more possibilities than the so-called experts tell us. And many more farmers can profit. Think about it: no subsidies, a good income and a beautiful, profitable landscape to boot. This space could be yours!’
This is an unofficial translation