Agriculture in the Netherlands has brought many benefits: food security, efficiency, and innovation. But the system is under pressure. Years of large-scale monoculture, intensive soil cultivation, and the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides have disrupted soil health and biodiversity. At the same time, climate change, rising costs, and declining soil fertility present new challenges. Many farmers are looking for ways to work more sustainably, but the transition is complex and financially demanding. Food Forest Lingehout shows that there is another way. Here, restoration is key, from soil to biodiversity. By combining food production with trees and shrubs, a resilient ecosystem emerges that captures CO2, retains water, enhances biodiversity, and provides healthy food for the local community. An inspiring example of agriculture that is future proof. For people, nature, and climate.
Food Forest Lingehout is an organic and cooperative farming project in the Betuwe region, where food production and nature restoration come together. On a 12-hectare site - with 10 hectares of food forest and 2 hectares of organic pick-your-own vegetable garden - the team is working on a landscape that produces food while restoring natural processes. Since planting began in 2022, the food forest has grown into one of the largest in the Netherlands, with nearly 100 species of perennial food crops. The design combines trees, shrubs, herbs, and flowers with natural elements such as hedgerows, a woodland area, and two large ponds. This setup provides space for a rich variety of plants and animals, contributes to healthy soil, and strengthens biodiversity.
ORCA sells carbon credits from various food forests in the Netherlands, including Food Forest Lingehout. This project is certified through ONCRA – Open Natural Carbon Removal Accounting. This independent standard enables transparent and reliable measurement and valuation of natural CO2 storage. The Carbon Removal Certificates are issued based on expected carbon uptake. Every three years, the actual CO2 storage is independently measured and verified. This allows you to offset your emissions in a credible and visible way - Locally, nature-based, and with measurable impact.
