Soil

As of 2010 all Rob’s organic vegetables are also Demeter biodynamic certified.  The main difference between a Demeter certified Biodynamic farm and a standard certified organic farm is that, in its entirety, a Demeter Biodynamic farm is managed as a living organism. This is the fundamental principal of the Biodynamic farming method. 
When it comes to Soil, this means a holistic farming system that is minimally dependant on outside inputs for its survival. It flourishes instead from within the “living dynamics” of the farm itself. Basically, Demeter certification requires that as much as possible a farm be regenerative rather than degenerative.
When it comes to feeding the soil therefore, Rob is dependant on inputs such as manure from his horses and plant materials from both inside and outside his greenhouse. Furthermore, since his three horses do not produce enough manure, he is also receives high quality manure from a biodynamic dairy farmer in the neighbouring village of Delfgauw. These inputs are used to produce compost which helps to improve the soil structure and enhance the life in the soil.  Another step taken by Rob to maintain and improve  the health of the soil is rotating the crop.  This not only helps to break weed and pest cycles but also allows the soil to recover and add useful nutrients.
Furthermore Rob’s organic cucumbers, peppers and other vegetables are packed in environmentally friendly materials (compostable or from renewable sources) are used. This is because there is firm belief that it makes no sense to pack environmentally friendly products in environmentally unfriendly materials like plastic (made from fossil fuels).  Ideally the packaging can be used for (industrial) composting however, when the materials are thrown away they will (as opposed to plastic) not pollute the soil.