When Marco de Kat begins to plan his meals, he discovers a remarkable source of fresh produce right at his doorstep. An 800 square metre plot outside his house is filled with an array of fruits and vegetables, including apples, pears, peppers, basil, beets, and cauliflower. Even during the winter months, he and his wife can rely on the vegetables stored in their freezer. This unique situation still excites him after years of living in Oosterwold.

Unlock the Potential of Urban Agriculture in Oosterwold

Marco de Kat's Garden: A Personal Food Source

Marco de Kat's garden is a haven of fresh produce. As he walks through it, he discovers an abundance of ingredients to choose from for his meals. This personal connection to the food he eats gives him a sense of satisfaction and connection to the land. It's not just about having food; it's about experiencing the joy of growing and harvesting it oneself.

He often forgets about what to eat as he explores his garden. The act of finding something and deciding to eat it becomes a natural part of his daily routine. This simple act of connecting with nature through food has a profound impact on his life.

The Oosterwold Urban Experiment

Oosterwold, where de Kat has called home since 2017, is a 4,300 hectare urban experiment in the northeast of the Netherlands. It was established to challenge the rigidity of Dutch city planning and give people more freedom and responsibility over the urban design process.

The area is completely self-sufficient, with residents having the freedom to build houses as they like. They must collaborate with others to determine things like street names, waste management, and roads. However, one of the most unusual requirements is that about half of each plot must be dedicated to urban agriculture.

Residents' Creativity in Urban Agriculture

Residents in Oosterwold showcase remarkable creativity in their approach to urban agriculture. From greenhouses to pastures surrounded by moats, each garden is unique. Some, like de Kat, turn their gardens into personal food sources, while others plant a few apple trees or outsource by owning plots tended by professional farmers.

Jalil Bekkour is a prime example. He taught himself how to garden and opened his own restaurant, Atelier Feddan, where 80% of the food comes directly from Oosterwold. His garden serves as a "field lab" to develop products for the restaurant, and his newfound passion for gardening is evident.

The Impact of Climate Change on Urban Agriculture

The climate crisis presents both challenges and opportunities for Oosterwold. With a similar climate to France 40 years ago, food crops like avocados and citrus trees can now be grown outside instead of in greenhouses.

However, time is a constraint as perfecting a plot requires extra care. Residents like Bekkour learn from their failures and keep trying. They understand that success in urban agriculture takes time and patience.

The Need for Guidance and Support

Residents worry about the lack of real guidance on how to make their plots successful. While the planning allows for a lot of freedom, it also means that they need support to navigate the challenges.

The opening of the Food Hub is a step in the right direction. It is dedicated to collecting and processing food as well as sharing knowledge. The participation manager hopes it will inspire residents to take more initiative and develop their plots.

The Goal of Providing 10% of Almere's Food

The ultimate goal is to provide 10% of Almere's food through urban agriculture in Oosterwold. This is an ambitious but achievable target that residents and experts alike believe in.

By prioritizing agriculture as a land use, planners and residents can work together to reconfigure peri-urban spaces into vibrant, multifunctional areas. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes social and economic development.

Lessons from Other Projects

Lessons can be learned from other urban agriculture projects around the world. A 2024 study found that carbon emissions from urban agriculture can be higher than from conventional agriculture. However, there are also valuable ideas to be gleaned.

For example, prioritizing long-term use of infrastructure and finding reclaimed or reused materials can help reduce the carbon footprint. Starting small is also key, as Bekkour advises. Begin with the things you love to eat and the easy stuff.

The Power of a Strong Vision

De Kat emphasizes the importance of having a strong vision and being a strong person in urban agriculture. With the right mindset and determination, anyone can make a difference in their own backyard.

Urban agriculture in Oosterwold is a testament to the power of community and individual initiative. It shows that by working together, we can create sustainable and self-sufficient urban environments.