Through hands-on participation, interviews, and using the scientific Sicade model, Christiaan Bikker investigated how a Herenboerderij can develop sustainably. He first places the Herenboeren concept within the broader context of the “solidarity economy” and the global rise of alternative food networks (food commons). To study the internal dynamics and resilience of a Herenboerderij, he draws on insights about the development of citizen collectives and commons, summarized in the Sicade model.
The Participatory Action Research approach allows him to work together with the board members and members of Herenboeren to identify and analyze key challenges. The reader gets a “behind the scenes” look at the Herenboerderij, including the daily tasks and concerns of both the member-owners and the board members and farmer-employees. Decision-making around specific, practical issues is also shown, for example concerning pig husbandry.
Participatie as a weak link
Through his regular presence and active participation, the researcher quickly develops a hypothesis: the sustainable development of a Herenboerderij depends primarily on the ability to produce enough food for its 200-member households.
He then discovers that without the active involvement of a substantial group of members, this is impossible; the farmer-employee(s) cannot manage the workload alone. The weak link in terms of sustainable development is therefore the lack of active members willing to contribute weekly, getting their hands dirty and literally working in the fields.
Intrinsic motivation of members
The Herenboeren concept emphasizes that a Herenboerderij is also meant to be a community of citizens who are intrinsically motivated to take responsibility for an alternative form of food production and consumption. But how strong and resilient is this community if there is a (too) large inactive group of members who adopt a consumptive stance and only come to pick up their share of products?
Bikker addresses this question in his research on community formation. Key elements include strong interpersonal relationships based on shared values, a sense of belonging, and pride in practical results (e.g., a crisp lettuce or the satisfaction of weeding together). Supporting factors include a culture of open communication, the ability to hold each other accountable, and creating opportunities for meetings (working groups, events). Finally, the role of the farmer-employee should not be underestimated. Bikker concludes that social and communicative skills are just as important as technical farming knowledge. At Wenumseveld, the two farmer-employees complement each other well in these areas.
Christiaan Bikker, Herenboeren: a celebration of diversity. A case study on sustainability of Herenboeren Wenumseveld. Thesis, VU Amsterdam, department of Social & Cultural Anthropology, 2022.