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Kolrabi – Regenerative agriculture for the Luxembourg of tomorrow

Initiative phase: Early beginnings

An agroecological micro-farm and a third place currently being developed in Luxembourg, dedicated to regenerative agriculture, biodiversity and well-being

Kolrabi – Regenerative agriculture for the Luxembourg of tomorrow

Kolrabi is an agroecological micro-farm and a third place currently being developed in Useldange, Luxembourg. Established as a social impact company (SIS), the initiative aims to demonstrate that it is possible to produce high-quality local food whilst regenerating ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and fostering social connections.

The project is based on the principles of regenerative agriculture: improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, protecting water, carbon sequestration and resilience to climate change. Ultimately, the site will feature a diverse market garden, an edible forest, wildlife-friendly hedgerows, a restored marsh, and various features designed to promote biodiversity and the return of wildlife.

Kolrabi is not, however, limited to agricultural production. The project also aims to become a place for learning, socialising and wellbeing. Workshops, tours, talks and events will raise public awareness of the challenges of sustainable food, biodiversity, water conservation and the ecological transition.

A social and therapeutic dimension is also at the heart of the initiative. A space dedicated to nature-based therapy and well-being will be gradually developed to host initiatives promoting reconnection with nature, social inclusion and support for people in vulnerable situations. The project views nature as a catalyst for health, fulfilment and resilience.

To ensure the project is carried out with respect for the sensitive natural environments in which it is situated, Kolrabi is currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Eticrowd. The funds raised will be used to finance the environmental impact assessment required for the project’s implementation.

Through this initiative, Kolrabi aims to contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable food system whilst creating a vibrant space where agriculture, nature, learning, well-being and civic engagement reinforce one another.

Institution type/carrier

Private Company

Institution-Name

Kolrabi s.à r.l.-s Société d'Impact Sociétal


How is your initiative financed?

Kolrabi is currently funded by contributions from its founder, support from volunteers and a crowdfunding campaign run on Eticrowd. In the future, the project plans to develop a business model based on the sale of agricultural produce, the organisation of workshops, events, and educational and therapeutic activities. Partnerships, donations and additional funding may also support certain initiatives with environmental and social impact.

Are there any additional partners or funders connected to your initiative?

SICONA, Perma-Project Academy, Institute for Market Gardeners, Eticrowd, Practice for psychomotor therapy and animal-assisted therapy

Participation opportunities

The public can support and get involved in the initiative in various ways.

Currently, it is possible to contribute via the crowdfunding campaign on Eticrowd, to take part in awareness-raising events, conferences and meetings organised around regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, or to support the project by sharing information and mobilising one’s network.

As the project develops, Kolrabi will also offer educational workshops, guided tours, volunteering opportunities, participatory work camps, as well as planting and ecological restoration initiatives.

The site aims to become a place for exchange and learning where citizens, families, schools, associations and professionals can discover sustainable agricultural practices, take part in practical ecosystem regeneration projects and contribute to the life of the site.

Kolrabi will also host initiatives related to well-being, nature therapy and reconnecting with nature, thereby offering new opportunities for engagement and participation for a wide range of people.

What’s needed

Financing Engaged citizen Full time volunteers Part time volunteers Strong arms Expertise/knowledge A Building/house A garden Equipment Paid employee

Objectives

Kolrabi’s aim is to demonstrate that a different form of agriculture is possible: one capable of producing local food whilst regenerating ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and fostering social cohesion.

The initiative has several complementary objectives:

• To restore biodiversity and the ecological functions of the landscape through the creation of an edible forest, the restoration of wetlands, the planting of hedgerows and the establishment of habitats favourable to flora and fauna.

• To develop local food production based on the principles of regenerative agriculture, respecting the soil, water and living organisms.

• Raise public awareness of the challenges of the ecological transition through workshops, tours, events and educational activities accessible to all.

• Promote well-being, social inclusion and reconnection with nature through the creation of a space dedicated to therapeutic activities and nature-based health initiatives.

• To create a place for meeting and exchange where citizens, farmers, associations, researchers and local stakeholders can collaborate around a shared vision of a more sustainable future.

Through these initiatives, Kolrabi aims to become a concrete example of ecological and social regeneration in Luxembourg, demonstrating that nature conservation, human well-being and food production can be mutually reinforcing.

Impact

Through the development of Kolrabi, we hope to have a positive impact on the environment, society and the local area.

From an ecological perspective, the project aims to restore biodiversity by creating an edible forest, restoring a marsh, planting hedgerows and creating habitats that support flora and fauna. These actions will help improve soil quality, promote water infiltration and retention, strengthen resilience to climate change, and create ecological corridors within the landscape.

In terms of food production, Kolrabi aims to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in accordance with the principles of organic and regenerative agriculture. The project aims to demonstrate that it is possible to produce high-quality local food whilst improving soil health, promoting biodiversity and protecting natural resources.

On a social level, the project will create a space for learning, meeting and cooperation around the issues of food, biodiversity and the ecological transition. Workshops, tours and awareness-raising events will make these topics accessible to a wide audience.

Finally, Kolrabi aims to promote well-being and inclusion through the development of therapeutic activities and reconnection with nature. The project will thus help to strengthen the links between people, their environment and their food.

In the long term, we hope to inspire other initiatives and demonstrate that it is possible to combine organic farming, ecosystem regeneration and positive social impact in Luxembourg.

Target audience

Kolrabi is aimed at a diverse audience, united by a shared interest in nature, sustainable food, well-being and the green transition.

The project is primarily aimed at citizens wishing to better understand the origins of their food, discover environmentally friendly farming practices and participate in local initiatives that promote regional resilience.

Families, children and schools also form a significant part of the audience. Through tours, workshops and educational activities, Kolrabi aims to raise awareness among younger generations about the challenges of biodiversity, food and the protection of natural resources.

The project is also aimed at people interested in well-being, nature therapy and approaches that encourage reconnection with nature. Ultimately, Kolrabi aims to host activities designed to support social inclusion, mental health and personal development.

Farmers, market gardeners, project leaders, associations, researchers and environmental professionals are also part of the target audience. The site is intended to become a place for exchange, experimentation and knowledge-sharing around organic and regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration.

Finally, Kolrabi aims to bring together local stakeholders — citizens, local authorities, businesses and organisations — who wish to contribute to building a more sustainable, resilient and nature-connected society.

Challenges and learning successes

The need to carry out an environmental impact assessment presented a significant challenge. However, it strengthened our determination to demonstrate that regenerative agriculture can help protect biodiversity and water resources.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Zero Hunger Good Health and Well-being Clean Water and Sanitation Responsible Consumption and Production Climate Action Partnerships to achieve the goal

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

PDAT 1 : Prepare Resilience of Territory PDAT 2 : Ensure territorial, social and economic cohesion PDAT 3 : Ensure sustainable use of natural resources PDAT 4 : Accelerating the transition to a climate neutral territory

Sustainability Targets

  • Zero Hunger
  • Good Health and Well-being
  • Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Climate Action
  • Partnerships to achieve the goal

PDATs

  • PDAT 1: Prepare Resilience of Territory
  • PDAT 2: Ensure territorial, social and economic cohesion
  • PDAT 3: Ensure sustainable use of natural resources
  • PDAT 4: Accelerating the transition to a climate neutral territory

More on PDATs

Name of Organization

Address & geo, Contact person

This page was translated automatically with DEEPL.
The initiative information was originally written in French
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