PlantC in Flanders!
Our expertise and clients lead us to work throughout Belgium. In recent months, our projects have intensified in Flanders. Discover what has driven us to develop our projects in the Flemish Region:
In 2022, Arkopharma contacted PlantC with the idea of planting two projects:
One in Wallonia, with Benjamin in Stave, and another in Flanders.
This was a significant challenge for our company, which is composed solely of French speakers, but the language barrier did not discourage us. On the contrary, our wish is to bring our expertise throughout Belgium by working with local planters.
This is how we were able to plant a magnificent hedge project in Hoegaarden!
Challenges, and plenty of them…
After this enriching experience, it was Manitou who, in 2024, presented PlantC with another challenge by wanting to contribute to a planting project, but only in Flanders!
Guided by one of our partners, we met Annelies from Lokeren who wished to plant on her plots. Here are Annelies and Pieter’s expectations:
- To provide forage for their animals,
- To contribute to the ecological network,
- And of course, to contribute to the well-being of their cows by providing them with shaded areas.
PlantC conducted a site visit to discuss the project. Once the linear elements were validated by Annelies and Pieter, we began searching for service providers. Once all the elements were gathered, the planting could proceed!
In January 2025, we were able to rely on a motivated team to plant the 410 meters of diversified hedge on Annelies’ land.
Buoyed by the success of this second project in Flanders, we were more determined than ever to redouble our efforts to find other farmers to support.
The establishment of our venture in the land of wind
Learn, commit, and plant: a busy spring for PlantC
The team took Dutch lessons to refresh their knowledge and deepen their vocabulary related to biodiversity. After 30 hours of training, it was time to put it into practice!
In parallel, we defined an ambitious objective with the EDENRED group: to plant 5 km of hedges in Flanders by 2028.
And sometimes, things work out for the best…
Our discussions with the Pomona cooperative allowed us to meet Stéphanie, a passionate market gardener based in Brakel. Her self-picking market gardening project is accompanied by a strong desire: to plant hedges!
A collaboration that takes root
Stéphanie lacks neither ideas nor energy. And when it comes to hedges, she knows exactly where to integrate them! Her project involves planting two hedges to meet 2 objectives:
- To bring back biodiversity
- To protect crops from the wind
Among the selected species are alder buckthorn, hazel, goat willow, European spindle, holly, hawthorn, and guelder rose. This mix will allow for extended flowering throughout the year and will provide a rich habitat for local wildlife.
And to get off to a good start, 220 meters of hedge have already been planted in early March 2025! A significant step forward for biodiversity and an inspiring project taking root in Flanders.
And it continues…
In early 2025, we continue our journey with another project with Dirk in Gavere, who has organic plots.
Bothered by pesticide drift from neighboring conventional farmers, Dirk wishes to encircle his plot by planting double-row hedges.
In total, we will plant no less than 439 meters of double-row hedge with Dirk to enable him to grow onions, pumpkins, and potatoes while reducing the impact of pesticides on his plots!
Furthermore, the hedges will provide cover for the surrounding bats. Indeed, these small mammals live in the bunkers scattered across the fields, remnants of World War II.
We do not intend to stop at 3 projects; our objective is much more ambitious!
Aricia Evlard – Co-founder PlantC
This year, we aim to support at least 7 more farmers in Flanders.
Do you wish to help us realize this challenge and assist us in meeting it?
