Even in winter, the Quails sing
Wednesday the 7th of december, we went to the Sing of the Quail farm (La ferme du chant des cailles) and we were gladly surprised. We met Georges there, a member of the farm who gently explained us it's functioning, chance!
This urban farm is a community initiative which has 3acres in the Watermael Boifort neighbourhood (south of Brussels), it's a lended land, but building land as well. The area where we were was a part of the farm, the garden area. This area is itself divided in several areas: a big collective space where three farmers work in exchange of a small wage, a flower to cut area, another for aromatic and medicinal plants and also a grass area for sheeps in summer.
The principle is as follow: those who take care of the farm are also the consumers. Each members pays 340 a year, wich is less than 1euro per day... And with that, they are allowed to come and harvest all the vegetables they need. Of course it's nice if you can come and weed every now and then, and be involved a bit. Georges, for example, this good old Georges, takes care of the compost toilet that are there.
The harvested products are shared between 260 persons. In another way, this urban farm feeds 260 persons all year long. Georges, him, hasn't bought any vegetables since last March but 1kg of carots for a special recipe. He finds people reasonable when they pick vegetables, thus, everyone learns to share and to harvest only what they need. So no more overconsumption, and less waste.
One of their picture:
There is also a part of the plot that is for the people to have individual gardens, so they don't benefit to everyone, but it's also a sharing space.
Few vegetables are sold on sunday at the market, but it's only a small part of the production.
This very awesome area is threatened by a building project that is in process on one third of the all plot.
This urban farm definitely creates links between people of the neighbourhood: '' I've been here for a year only, and I already know everyone in the neighourdhood'', told us Georges. The inhabitants of the surroundings are the only ones allowed to participate in the project, it's eating at a VERY local range.
Their website: http://www.chantdescailles.be/
This brief moment spent at the farm of the sing of the Quails really excited us. To see that on not such a big plot, in the middle of a neighbourhood, we can find enough to feed 260 persons, well it is pleasant !!
We give you some kisses: kisses
A&A