V L A A N D E R E N Flanders Leader+ Projects Survey
MEETJESLAND [Improving the quality of life] Co-ordinator : Katrien De Merlier Provincie oost-Vlaanderen Afdeling Land- en tuinbouw Gouvernementstraat 1 9000 Gent Tel: #32 9 267 86 73 Fax: #32 9 267 86 97 GSM: #32 484 18 74 09 [email protected] www.meetjesland.be/leader
Brussels
The projects were classified under the following themes:
Future developments in agriculture 1. Future developments in and potential of agriculture and horticulture in Meetjesland 2. Sustainable agricultural management in Meetjesland 3. Poor-in-emission and pro-animal production of quality dairy 4. Trends in agriculture and horticulture: Meetjesland serves as a pioneer 5. Strong with Milk: a common process for several regions
Promoting broadening in agriculture and co-operation in agriculture and food industry 6. Strengthening the innovation capacity of the agricultural business sector in Meetjesland on the basis of local factor benefits 7. Farm and regional products of Meetjesland 8. Quality chips from Meetjesland 9. Sheep on the ‘Meetjes’ 10. Development of mycotoxine diagnostics
Training and conscious-raising of regional identity 11. Creative administration: learning about the own region for administrators in a rural area 12. Mondina 13. Meetjesland in a box 14. Meetjesland explained to children: About cabbage heads and landships 15. Giving youngsters opportunities
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16. Wilhelmus+ 17. Regional Branding: making the region a brand
Valorization of regional and cultural identity: Strengthening village centres 18. Historico-cultural activities in Middelburg 19. Naughty Sente 20. Shrimp make fishing village die hard
Valorization of regional and cultural identity: giving impulses to (more and better) regional fauna and flora 21. Art and poetry route of Meetjesland 22. Focus on flora and fauna of Meetjesland: setting a good example 23. Faunatural farm yards 24. Characterization and use of autochtonous gene sources in Meetjesland
Future Developments in Agriculture
1. Future Developments in and Potential of Agriculture and Horticulture in Meetjesland
In September 2004 a study about the future potential of agriculture and horticulture in Meetjesland was completed. The study should allow local authorities to better estimate the agricultural value of Meetjesland and to manage it in a supportive and facilitating way. The bottlenecks and strengths of the several subregions of Meetjesland are described which results in the formulation of a number of scenarios for the future and strategies. The study also spends some special attention to listing the broadening activities of the farmers. The authorities are pointed out to the fact that they are supposed to inform farmers about the existing possibilities and to act facilitating towards those who consciously decide to take steps towards broadened agriculture. The study concludes with a directive package of measures and recommendations for the authorities of the Meetjesland region as well as for the individual municipalities. The results of this study were announced through different channels and have been incorporated in the training session ‘Creative Management’, module Agriculture.
Contact : Professors Jacques Viaene and Xavier Gellynck Vakgroep Landbouweconomie Universiteit Gent Coupure links 653 B-9000 Gent Tel. #32 9 264 59 44 [email protected] , [email protected]
2. Sustainable Agricultural Management in Meetjesland
In order to further support the future opportunities of agriculture, an approved method of sustainable farming will be offered to farms in Meetjesland. Based on a scientific approach a number of pilot projects will be set up in which farmers and experts will be involved as much as possible. Furthermore a communication plan will be developed towards farmers, horticulturists, environmental organizations, schools, the population etc.
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The method used is called ‘economical farming’ (agricultural management with a lower input and cost-saving and moreover economically profitable) and the sustainability is measured with the so-called ‘duurzaamheidsster’ (‘sustainability star’). This method allows an approach specific to the farm allowing the participating farmers to define their own goals and opportunities.
Contact : Didier Huygens Provinciale Landbouwkamer voor Oost-Vlaanderen Gouvernementstraat & B-9000 Gent Tel. #32 9 267 86 80 [email protected]
3. Low-emission and Pro-animal Production of Quality Dairy
This project introduces sustainable agriculture to dairy farms by focusing on rations and animal welfare with a higher milk quality as a result. This projects aims at working out how dairy farms in Meetjesland can produce more in a more sustainable way towards the use of nutrients, animal welfare and the quality of the milk. The knowledge gathered from research on this matter will be applied to pilot farms and the effects of it on the cultivation plan, the rotation of crops and the fertilization plan will be worked out. The economical durability will be considered as well. The experience acquired at these demo farms can move the interested dairy farmers to adjust their rations.
Contact : Filippe Van de Craen Vlaams Agrarisch Centrum Ambachtsweg 20 B-9820 Merelbeke Tel.: #32 9 252 59 19 [email protected]
4. Trends in Agriculture and Horticulture: Meetjesland Serves as a Pioneer
The agriculturists and horticulturists of Meetjesland will be intensively guided in their role as pioneers in a number of innovative developments in the sector. Some new, alternative vegetable varieties will be cultivated on the fields of interested horticulturists and on a trial field. Crop guidance as well as marketing of the specialties are part of the project. Tree nurseries will be offered new and hard-to-grow varieties as well. The experience and know- how of the pilot farms and the farmers involved will be shared with other horticulturists who show interest. Potato farmers and contractors are further guided in the introduction of integral chain control and quality control systems on their farms.
Contact : Nico Vergote Provinciaal Proefcentrum voor de Groenteteelt Oost-Vlaanderen vzw Interprovinciaal Proefcentrum voor de Aardappelteelt vzw Karreweg 6 B-9770 Kruishoutem Tel.: #32 9 381 86 81 [email protected]
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5. Sustainable Agriculture: a Common Process for Several Regions [interterritorial co-operative project]
From 2006 till half 2008 Meetjesland and Brugse Ommeland buckle down to sustainable agriculture. The project has got 2 levels: sustainable agriculture at farm level (pilot farms) and sustainable agriculture at regional level, which means that the trumps of working within a region are played and that the applicability of sustainable agriculture is geared for the region. The product of this project is to introduce the ‘duurzaamheidsster’ (‘sustainability star’) (assessment system of Stedula) to dairy farms. It is important for individual farmers to make progress on an economical, ecological and social level. The process is to make farmers and others aware of the possibilities of sustainable farming in consultation with and involvement of the agricultural and other sectors in the region.
Contact : Diane Schoonhoven p/a Streekplatform+ Meetjesland Oostveldstraat 1 9900 Eeklo Tel: 09 376 97 38 GSM: 0473 373455 [email protected]
Promoting Broadening in Agriculture and Co-operation in Agriculture and Food Industry
6. Strengthening the Innovation Capacity of the Agricultural Business Sector in Meetjesland on the Basis of Local Factor Benefits
Regional factors play an important role in innovation. They indicate the mutual relation between the farm and its environment. 164 enterprises in food industry in Meetjesland were asked how they experience these regional factors in Meetjesland. One of the conclusions of this poll is that the largest innovators prove to be those who participate in networks and maintain a strong interaction with other enterprises and institutes. The actions that result from this, aim at strengthening regional factors for food industry in Meetjesland and strengthening relations between food industry, agricultural and other suppliers and institutions. This will happen by means of meetings on specific topics in order to come to a goal-oriented exchange of information between enterprises and institutions, meetings between enterprises, a food meeting during which the vertical links in agricultural business have the opportunity to get to know each other. Besides networking and sharing of know-how, the project aims at entering into permanent consultation with the parties concerned and the administration. All this in favour of further development of the sector, in which industrial estates, mobility and the foundation of a research estate are primary themes.
Contact: Professors Jacques Viaene and Xavier Gellynck Vakgroep Landbouweconomie Universiteit Gent Coupure links 653 B-9000 Gent Tel. #32 9 264 59 44 [email protected] , [email protected]
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7. Farm and Regional Products of Meetjesland
The supply of farm and regional products will be stimulated by effective promotion and setting up well-structured sales channels. Important for the continued existence of a co- operative partnership after the Leader+ project depends entirely on the support given to this structure by sufficient producers. Producers will be given the opportunity to deliver their products in a distribution centre. The possibility of supplying farm and regional products to retail shops will be considered. The basis of the promotion is the creation of a ‘Meetjesland’ label of origin which represents the identity and origin of the product. In a first phase gift packages wil be put together to the occasion of several events or on demand. In 2004 a number of cooking classes were organized in which regional chefs worked with regional products.
Contact : Luc Feusels Plattelandscentrum vzw Leemweg 4 B-9980 Sint-Laureins Tel.: #32 9 379 78 37 [email protected]
8. Quality Chips from Meetjesland
Potatoe processing company Lippens works out a marketing concept for the product ‘Quality chips from Meetjesland’ in a professional way. The typical identity of Meetjesland will be recognizably incorporated in a total concept which aims at characterizing the company identity. The strengths of this company which are emphasized are regional origin, innovation, tradition and skill. A label which shows the origin from Meetjesland and the quality of the potatoe products, will be printed on packings, printed matter and trucks. The region-related naming and the message behind will strengthen the company’s competitive position and ensure taking up from local potatoe farmers.
Contact : Filip Lippens Aardappelen Lippens bvba Elsburgstraat 4 B-9960 Assenede Tel.: #32 9 344 53 30 [email protected]
9. Sheep on the ‘Meetjes’
Sheep and derived products are of historical importance to Meetjesland. This project aims at supporting and professionalizing sheep breeding. Hobbyists as well as (semi)professionals and the whole region should profit from this. A number of activities will be organized: a travelling exhibition on the history of sheep in Meetjesland, a yearly Meetjesland Sheep Day, several activities to stimulate the consumer to a higher consumption of Meetjesland lamb and the launching of a new mutton salami. The project also wants to make an inventory of the sheep stock in all its varieties: breeds, crossbreeds, purposes of breeding and breeding methods. The possibilities and profitability of grazing banks and nature reserves will be examined as well.
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Contact : Geert Storme & An Van Herck Vlaamse Schapenhouderij vzw Stee 17 B-9980 Watervliet Mobile: #32 478 25 09 48 [email protected]
10. Development of Mycotoxine Diagnostics
Food safety first. This also counts for the members of Meetjesland food industry, who will be the first to have access to testing a new detection method for mycotoxines in their own company. These are poisonous substances produced by fungi on the field or during storage and can hardly be removed from the food. Mycotoxine test kits have been developed which allow the detection of 4 different types of mycotoxines in a fast and cheap way. Because of their simplicity these test strips can be easily applied in the whole of the production process. The test kits will be tested in a number of farms as well. The fast detection of these toxical substances will allow companies to take fast action if any of these substances are found and avoid the raw produce affected to be further processed.
Contact : Liberty Sibanda Toxi-test NV Harelbekestraat 72 B-9000 Gent Tel.: #32 9 264 81 40 [email protected]
Training and Conscious-raising of Regional Identity
11. Creative Administration: Learning about the Own Region for Administrators in a Rural Area
A series of training sessions about learning about the own region aims at making local administrators reflect upon regional identity and rural development and wants to make a connection between regional views and local administration. The participation of municipal mandataries, officials and members of advisory bodies is aimed at. These themes are brought in an integrated way in form of an interpreting part as regards content, a field trip and concrete feedback to local administration. The series of training sessions constists of several modules on regional identity, agriculture and living.
Contact : Bart van Herck Streekplatform Meetjesland vzw Oostveldstraat 1 9900 Eeklo Tel.: #32 9 376 97 38 [email protected]
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12. Mondina
On this biological farm a number of educational initiatives has been developed for infants, primary and secondary school children and handicapped children. The themes the schools can choose from are biological farming, herb classes, workshops on the four primal elements (air, water, fire and earth), an interactive educational path for infants around a renovated drinking pool. The original concept introduces visitors to cultivation methods, the produce, the site and food. The message spread by Mondina is a message of respect for mother earth.
Contact : Katrien Brinckman Mondina vzw Molenbeekstraat 3 B-9981 Sint-Margriete Tel. #32 9 378 37 88 [email protected]
13. Meetjesland in a Box
Getting to know Meetjesland is mere child’s play to the schoolchildren from Meetjesland since a free happy families game was distributed among pupils from 8 till 12 and their teachers. Moreover it’s funny that through the children – who are the future of our countryside – this game and the knowledge of the region spreads over all other age groups.
Contact : Jacques Cleppe Broeders van Liefde Sint-Franciscusschool Kloosterstraat 79/40 B-9910 Knesselare Tel.: #32 9 374 53 33 [email protected]
14. Meetjesland Explained to Children: ‘About Cabbage Heads and Landships’
The very first children’s book about Meetjesland is a book to read from to children of the 5 th year of primary school and collects legends, myths and real stories from Meetjesland in a creative and easy way. During training sessions, baby sitters, youngsters aged 16 and over, are motivated to think about their region and what’s more, sell it to children. Through this book getting acquainted with the typical features of the region becomes mere child’s play for the other members of the family as well and without falling into clichés.
Contact : Ronny De Schuyter Gezinsbond VZW – Gewesten Eeklo-Zelzate en Zomergem Vlierstraat 9 B-9900 Eeklo Tel.: #32 9 377 76 54 [email protected]
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15. Giving Youngsters Opportunities
The aim of this project is to develop a spectrum of rural educational programmes for youngsters from 14 till 18 years old. This difficult target group often thinks of terms like countryside, farming and regional identity as droll. In the current social debate the countryside is rather unilaterally seen from a recreative point of view whereas the countryside is a dynamic fact characterized by a strong interrelation between life, living, work, history, recreation and tourism. The project’s ambition is a broad, stable and positive approach of the countryside and co-operation in strengthening of the regional identity of Meetjesland. This happens through field training sessions, workshops and panel discussions. Possible themes are ‘agriculture in a north-south context’, food safety, gmo’s, ‘rural and regional identity’ and ‘green and renewable energy’. www.linkeveld.be
Contact : Wim Ceulemans & Agnes Sys Plattelandsklassen vzw Leemweg 24 B-9980 Sint-Laureins Tel.: #32 9 379 74 77 [email protected]
16. Wilhelmus+
An ecologically sound small-scale farm is being developed on an old farmstead. An educational visitor centre with classes on biological fruit farming and oyster mushroom growing is being organized on the occasion of it. Regional products are offered as well.
Contact : Roland Van Landschoot Wilhelmusstraat 8 9988 Watervliet Tel.: #32 9 379 78 60 [email protected]
17. Regional Branding: Making the Region a Brand [transnational co-operative project]
Considering that regional vision is insufficient and that explaining the 8 driving forces or 2 binding elements of the Leader+ development plan are too laborious and too difficult, there is a certain need to communicate the qualities and the (desired) identity of the region through image language and lively products. Based on the know-how assembled by LAG West Cork, LAG Meetjesland would like to develop a brand (with baseline) which symbolizes the identity and values the region would like to maintain the next few years. Following naturally from this brand, on the one hand West Cork as well as Meetjesland will develop a picture data base that expresses more the ambition of the region and can be used in communication. On the other hand one or more concrete products will be developed which will confront inhabitants and visitors with what the region stands for and aims at, an application of the brand in other words. An event for the inhabitants and an arrangement for the visitors are considered. The brand, the pictures and the products will give the region a different identity which is comprehensible and easy to communicate. This regional brand is the final point of a process
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Contact : Plaatselijke Groep LEADER+ Meetjesland Oostveldstraat 1 B-9900 Eeklo Tel.: #32 9 376 97 38 [email protected]
Valorization of Regional and Cultural Identity: Strengthening Village Centres
18. Historico-cultural Activities in Middelburg
Archeological excavations on the former castle grounds in Middelburg revealed some valuable treasures of the rich past of Middelburg. The locals will be closely involved in further developing the archeological site, the heritage and rich history of this small village centre into the basis of strengthening village identity and spreading it in and outside Meetjesland. This way the project can give an a new impulse to social life in Middelburg and breathe new life into the village.
Contact : Mathias De Prest Gemeentebestuur Maldegem Markstraat 10 B-9990 Maldegem Tel.: #32 50 72 89 70 [email protected]
19. Naughty Sente
The community of Sint-Laureins appeals to its illustrious history to propagate and strenghten its village identity. Especially the contribution of the elderly population of Sint-Laureins to this project is much appreciated, since they know many anecdotes and stories about events these colourful figures played a role in. All socio-cultural societies are offered to work out an initative in the common project called ‘Ondeugend Sente’ (Naughty Sente). This way a cycling route has been outlined, a parade organized, a play performed, several activities for youngsters organized and folk tales told. A didactical package was developed for school children to get to know their community.
Contact : Annick Willems & Magda Verminck Cultureel Adviesorgaan Sint-Laureins Dorpsstraat 91 B-9980 Sint-Laureins Tel.: #32 9 379 80 65 [email protected]
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20. Shrimp Make Fishing Village Die Hard
Vzw BOU8 dedicates itself to make a fishermen’s tradition survive and focus on the rich history of the village by breathing new life into the yearly Shrimp Festival in Boekhoute, including an ambitious theatrical performance, a folkloristic parade and the launching of shrimp beer. The co-operation with the numerous cultural actors should give this project the necessary strength and name in and outside Meetjesland.
Contact : Werner Haeck Vzw Vissersvereniging Bou8 Hoogstraat 25 B-9960 Assenede Tel.: #32 479 63 98 67 [email protected]
Valorization of Regional and Cultural Identity: Giving Impulses to (More and Better) Regional Fauna and Flora
21. Art and Poetry Route of Meetjesland
Throughout Meetjesland a combination of an art and poetry route is being organized on the subject language lovers of Meetjesland and the Flemish language. Communities and local societies are closely involved in the development of this art and poetry route in Meetjesland.
Contact : Frank Geyssens Open Monumentencomité Kaprijke Veld 1 B-9970 Kaprijke Tel.: #32 9 377 79 62 [email protected]
22. Focus on Flora and Fauna of Meetjesland: Setting a Good Example
In order to create more and better biotopes for the typical fauna and flora of the Meetjesland landscape and in order to preserve, to connect and to improve existing biotopes, a number of sensitizing impulses are given to the population, organizations, authorities, etc. At the same time it is examined how these ecological elements could create a socio-economic and socio- cultural surplus. The project consists of eight large actions. Thus it is examined what role farmers can play in maintaining the municipal verges, a co-operation between 3 municipalities is created in order to optimize nature conservation, attention is given to the maintenance of pollarded trees and copse wood, an action with regard to butterflies will be started, a monitoring action concerning amphibians in the dug pools, owls in the installed barn owl nesting-boxes and the presence of breeding bats in church attics will be started, a co-operation between hunters and farmers will be created in order to preserve the population of field birds, advice is given to new inhabitants of the rural area in order to preserve and repair elements typical for the region and finally an inventory will be made of the nature- educational supply in the region.
Contact : Piet Quataert
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Regionaal Landschap Meetjesland vzw Noordstraat 15a B-9990 Maldegem Tel.: #32 50 70 00 37 [email protected]
23. Faunatural Farm Yards
Swallows, bats, owls, hedgehogs, amphibians and insects are species that used to live on every farm. By means of a fauna audit on a number of farms it is examined what animals still live there and what the possibilities are to attract certain fauna. Some of the possibilities are the optimization of accomodation and the creation of nesting and feeding places and shelter through the lay-out of small landscape elements. The running of the farm itself is not forgotten of course and a win-win situation between agriculture and nature is always the target. Demonstration days with presentations and a brochure should bring about a dialogue between agriculturists or horticulturists and local residents and urge them to show initiative to promote biodiversity.
Contact : Didier Huygens Provinciale Landbouwkamer voor Oost-Vlaanderen Gouvernementstraat 1 B-9000 Gent Tel.: #32 267 86 80 [email protected]
24. Characterization and Use of Autochtonous Gene Sources in Meetjesland
This project wants to meet the wish of planting with typical regional plants in the lay-out or repair of green landscape elements and fill the need of plants with a higher natural resistance. Therefore the value of autochtonous trees and bushes is compared with that of plants of another origin. This valuation happens at two levels: on the one hand the cultivation-technical and visual practical value (through the lay-out of demonstration tests) and on the other hand an investigation into the genetic diversity. The project focuses on a number of pilot species (hawthorn, hornbeam and willows). If typical regional material also proves commercially interesting, it will be put at the disposal of the local tree cultivation sector, the consumer and the municipal parks departments for local planting actions.
Contact : Johan Van Huylenbroeck Centrum voor Landbouwkundig Onderzoek Caritasstraat 21 B-9090 Melle Tel.: #32 9 272 29 00 [email protected]
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