The Cinquant is a Dutch farm. Paul and Carien van de Groes are running a fully ecological business there.

This page is an extraction from the Dutch site. It shows in a nutshell what work at the Cinquant is all about.

The Cinquant is the van de Groes' residential farm for several generations. After many years of running a traditional business, Paul and Carien van de Groes where one of the Dutch pioneers that made the switch to full ecological production.

(foto: Jacques Verschuren)

The Cinquant.

During the season the Cinquant is a participant in many local events. During organised cycling tours the Cinquant often is a point for rest and refreshment.

Besides ecological agriculture, the Cinquant is known for another feature. It offers daycare for a group of physical and mental disabled. Under the supervision of a qualified staff, these handicapped workers are involved in all aspects of work available on the farm. Emphasizing on the possibilities while taking the difficulties in account it is a big stimulation and challenge for all of them. It also builds their self esteem, one of the reasons they're referred to as 'hulpboeren' (assisting farmers).

A maintenance job is a big responsibility, nevertheless in qualified hands.

The whole farm is accommodated for daycare. Many of the buildings are accessible for wheelchairs, there are large entries, and paved roads connect the common facilities. For safety reasons, the whole greenhouse is build with safety glass. This is also a perfect place for work during rainy days. The epicenter of all daycare activities is situated underneath the characteristic haystack. It's covered with a traditional hoist-able roof, but also houses the cantina. With it's rickety of tables and chairs, cabinets and lamps, it's a warm and cozy place to drink coffee and eat your lunch.

Some of the ecological grown crops are used in the diet for the pigs.

We also run a shop where all the products of our own grounds are sold. All our products are tagged with the EKO label. A well-known certification, licensed by SKAL, It is the guarantee for a pure ecological products.

The whole business has made the switch to organic processes. Agriculture, sylviculture and all life stock are fully incorporated in the Cinquant's eco plan. A great many specimens of the original vegetation is present on the grounds. Amongst them a couple of specimen returned 'in the wild' and are not cultivated! Several of the original inhabitants returned to the grounds as well. Resulting in a steadily expanding ecosystem, that's reestablishing the original culture, fit for the region and landscape.

The sylvicultural treatment of the small forest caused a couple of badgers to return to their original habitat on the grounds.

All the stables have straw on the ground. It's warm, easy to clean and pigs use is to build nests.

Not an everyday sight, pigs in a meadow. It is however much like the original habitat.

During the summer season, the orchard is home to a campsite. It's a fun place to camp with children and has an educational function for those whom have the eye and ear for the processes. A customized small log-building is available for campers that use a wheelchair, and the sanitary facilities are accommodated for wheelchairs to.

Take a tour over our grounds. You will be amazed by the richness of flora and fauna, and questions are always welcome.