The Colruyt Group has signed an agreement for the acquisition of 25 ha of organic land. This deal concerns the organic cultivation company, Het Zilverleen, from Alveringem in West Flanders, Belgium. The retailer wants to use this investment to ensure that organic Belgian vegetables are grown locally. They also want to boost their own supplies. In this way, they want to play in on their customers' growing demand for these kinds of products. The decision also fits in with the Colruyt Group's ambition.
They want to set up new, sustainable cooperation models and partnerships in the agricultural and agri-food sectors. The Colruyt Group is now looking for a passionate organic farmer with experience on an (organic) farm. Preference will be given to an experienced couple and/or specialist. They must be able to continue the work at Het Zilverleen on an independent basis. There will also have to be transparent cooperation agreements put in place.
Het Zilverleen's previous owners, Marleen Masson and Jean-Pierre Mouton, are already important suppliers for the Colruyt Group. Colruyt Laagste Prijzen and Bio-Planet sell about 70% of Het Zilverleen's organically grown vegetable crops. The couple were on the look-out for someone to take over their business. Jean-Pierre Mouton, the former owner of Het Zilverleen, says: "Above all, we want our work of utilising the organic ground to continue. The Colruyt Group has a sustainable vision for the agricultural sector. This vision will ensure a good future for organic cultivation."
Keeping and supporting local, organic Belgian farming
The is an ever-increasing demand for organic products. Through this investment, the Colruyt Group wants to guarantee their supplies of Belgian organic products. They also want to help establish the supply of local organic products.
With Bio-Planet, this retailer has a nice base for a range of organic products. Stefan Goethaert is the Colruyt Group Fine Food division's General Director. He is responsible for the group's agricultural strategy. He says: "Het Zilverleen is a unique opportunity - 25 hectares of continuous organic agricultural land. This farm is a perfect base for the cultivation of organic vegetables. By investing here, we can help ensure that this ground remains destined for organic farming."
New sustainable agri-food sector cooperation models
This initiative ensures the sustainability of Belgian organic supplies. It also forms part of the Colruyt Group's goal to establish new, sustainable cooperation models and partnerships in the agricultural and agri-food sectors.
This kind of agreement is not a new thing for the Colruyt Group. In the past, this retailer went into direct partnerships to develop new apple varieties. Currently, they are also running a Belgian apple project in close collaboration with their shop formula, Colruyt Laagste Prijzen. Here, nine farmers are planting potatoes for a total gross harvest of 5,000 tonnes. These potatoes are then sold in 78 Colruyt shops under two version of the house brand name. There are basic conditions needed to build this kind of sustainable partnership. These are transparency, trust, and value-driven enterprise.
"We are open to new ways of cooperation in the chain. If needed, with multiple links, but if at all possible, more directly with the products. This fits with our intention to do business in a sustainable manner, including in, and with, the agri-food sector. Het Zilverleen is an example of a 'learning partnership' in practice. This further demonstrates our willingness to share the responsibility for making the agri-food sector even more sustainable", explains Goethaert.
Colruyt Group seeking 'passionate organic farmer'
The Colruyt Group has bought the land. It is, however, not their intention to farm it themselves or to employ someone to do so. It is an independent venture, based, of course, on transparent cooperation agreements.
"In the first instance, we are looking for a person or couple with a background or experience in organic farming", says Goethaert. "They must also have knowledge of the principles and, most importantly, the realities of organic agriculture, and everything that entails. Passion and a desire to get started are essential. We are looking for people who are prepared to work closely with the Colruyt Group. They must recognise themselves in our mission and values. Anyone who is interested in sitting down and talking to us about this can contact us via info.zilverleen@colruytgroup.com."