Lintelo
Lintelo12
What started as a small-scale initiative has now grown into a vibrant place where agriculture, community, and sustainability come together. Lintelo12 shows how logical local agriculture actually is.
At Lintelo12, Johannes and Marieke Zandbergen grow a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, completely in harmony with nature. "Every year, we add a layer of compost to the soil to keep the life underground—fungi, worms, and microbes—intact," says Marieke. "We only see what grows above ground, but just as much is happening below. Healthy soil contributes to healthy and flavorful vegetables."
Harvest companions
The farm operates according to the principle of community-supported agriculture. Johannes: "Customers are harvest partners: people who feel connected to the garden and the food that grows there. In 2023, there were 35 harvest packages; this year there are already 60. Harvest partners choose for themselves: they come to harvest their own vegetables, or they pick up a pre-assembled package."
Fair and affordable
Lintelo12 strives to provide fair, healthy, and local food for everyone. That is why there is a sliding scale of prices: those who have less to spend pay less. Those who can afford to pay more pay a little extra—so that the farmer can earn a fair wage. "We want healthy food to be accessible, without it being at the expense of those who produce it."
Many hands
Johannes and Marieke receive help from a growing group of volunteers. "It's wonderful to see that people feel connected to what we do. On Thursday mornings, there is always a regular group of volunteers. And on special work days, there are often 15 to 20 people helping out. That creates a connection. People who would never have met otherwise come together here."
There are more Great Initiatives in the municipality of Aalten that focus on healthy food and community spirit. Such as the Bredevoort and Nieuwe Bodem vegetable garden project in Aalten, where you can adopt your own nut or fruit tree. Do you have or know of a Great Initiative for a Mooie Toekomst? Then sign it up!