Research question of our field work - Organic matter

Are people willing to change their behaviour concerning separation of organic matter or do they want to do this with the support of automated systems?

Interview 2

Farmer Meine from the Novalishoeve

The Novalishoeve is an ecological dynamic farm, offering working placements for mentally disordered young adults. The farm contains out of several elements relating or depending on each other. Next to the farm, there is a restaurant and shop, selling the products made in the farm. The approximately 20 cows and numerous chickens are sufficient to provide the ingredients - milk and eggs - for a pie bakery in the shop.

While Piet from the municipality does not believe in a closed loop system, Farmer Meine does as he has established a closed loop system of organic matter in his farm since many years.

Closed loop system on the farm

Around the farm, Farmer Meine has crop lands producing grain and grass for his animals. The cows are fed with these products. The manure of the cows is collected and put outside in the air to be made into high valuable compost to fertilise his crop lands. The pigs in the farm are fed by all kinds of organic leftovers, because they can basically digest everything. The manure of the pigs is also used to produce compost. The meat and milk of the pigs and cows is locally processed and sold. Next to the farm is a lunchroom where they make and offer milk products and meat from the farm itself.

Conclusion

Our main research question was: ‘Are people willing to change their behaviour concerning separation of organic matter or do they want to do this with the support of automated systems?’ It is difficult to change their behaviour but the municipality invests in a pilot to try to do so.

From the interviews can be concluded that on Texel are different opinions about whether Texel can be self-sufficient considering organic matter or not.