Polder van Biesland
Experiment between the cities
In the strongly urbanised region between Delft, Pijnacker-Nootdorp and The Hague, the Biesland Polder forms the last green enclave. This enclave used to be part of a for the Province of South-Holland typical grassland area, with many dairy farms. In the triangle Pijnacker - Delft -The Hague the farm of Jan en Mieke Duijndam is the last full dairy farm. They have set their mind on creating a future for their business on this location. They realise that social acceptance is an absolute must. That is why in 1997 they decided to change to organic farming. Farming for Nature now offers the opportunity to take a huge next step by giving nature a central place in the management.
Jan Duijndam developed a plan together with the Initiative Group Nature Preservation Delft and Alterra for converting into a nature-oriented farm. After a lengthy area process they can now start with the realization. The lay-out of the plans is ready and the contracts have been signed. The financing is mostly arranged for. After a long preparation, the European Commission has given the go-ahead for this pilot. On January 1st 2008 the first Farming for Nature experiment has begun.