Company
De Terp
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Jeroen Robbers
“Organic pumpkins thrive in a closed nutrient cycle — that’s how we grow flavourful, resilient pumpkins year after year.”
Products
Organic pumpkins
Country
The Netherlands
Hi, I’m Jeroen Robbers, and I grow organic pumpkins in the Betuwe, one of the oldest fruit-growing regions of the Netherlands. I started farming in 1984 and converted to organic agriculture in 1998. Today, De Terp is the largest organic pumpkin producer in Europe, producing both orange and green pumpkins for year-round consumption.
From idealism to specialised pumpkin farming
I originally came from the city and had no formal farming background, but a strong interest in plants and animals led me to start farming with great passion and ideals. In the early years, I grew a wide range of vegetables on just a few acres. Over time, it became clear that pumpkins offered both agronomic and economic potential. As demand for pumpkins grew — evolving from a niche product to a staple vegetable — De Terp increasingly specialised in pumpkin cultivation.
Closed nutrient cycles at the heart of the farm
A defining feature of De Terp is its nearly closed nutrient cycle, which is rare in modern agriculture. Pumpkins are grown in rotation with grain, which is used as feed for our cattle. The manure from the cows is composted and returned to the soil, nourishing the next pumpkin crop. This system requires no external inputs, improves soil vitality year after year and gives the pumpkins a strong regional identity.
Efficient, modern and climate-neutral
While De Terp is diverse — combining arable farming, livestock and social initiatives — it is also a highly modern operation. We use advanced harvesting and processing techniques to ensure efficiency and consistent quality. Thanks to over 500 solar panels, all pumpkin processing and storage facilities are energy neutral, making the entire operation climate neutral.
Farming with space for people
Beyond agriculture, De Terp is a place where people can grow. The farm includes a day care centre for people with special needs, a farm shop and a forest with a public walking trail. Young farmers gain practical experience here, ensuring continuity for future generations, while people with special needs are offered meaningful work, focusing on their abilities rather than limitations.
Our positive impact
Climate
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De Terp operates fully climate-neutral, without synthetic fertilisers or chemical inputs.
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More than 500 solar panels make pumpkin storage and processing energy-neutral.
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Green manuring, composting and a 15-acre forest contribute to carbon sequestration.
Water
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Pumpkins are grown in the Netherlands, a region without structural water scarcity.
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Water used for washing pumpkins is collected and returned cleanly to the natural water cycle.
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No water pollution occurs during production or processing.
Soil
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Pumpkins are grown on sandy river clay soils, ideal for pumpkin cultivation.
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A closed nutrient cycle links pumpkins, grain crops and cattle manure without external inputs.
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Composting and crop rotation increase soil vitality year after year.
Biodiversity
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Crop rotation, mixed farming and pumpkins’ natural resistance to pests support biodiversity.
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The farm includes arable land, cattle, fruit trees and a forest.
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Organic livestock management contributes to a balanced farm ecosystem.
Individual
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De Terp supports personal development by training young farmers for future succession.
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People with special needs are employed, focusing on abilities rather than limitations.
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Learning and responsibility are central to daily farm practice.
Society
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Employees, seasonal workers and assistant farmers are treated with respect and equality.
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The farm operates fully within Dutch and EU labour and safety regulations.
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A farm shop and public walking trail strengthen connections with the local community.
Economy
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De Terp is Europe’s largest organic pumpkin producer.
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Pumpkins are produced efficiently through modern harvesting and processing techniques.
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The farm combines organic agriculture with long-term economic viability and regional identity.
Greetings from our farm!
Location
Betuwe, the Netherlands — where De Terp grows organic pumpkins in a closed, climate-neutral farming system.
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