The Veluwe could once again play a role as the largest production area in the Netherlands if we simply design the ecosystem better. Food forests show that ecological values need not be at odds with food production and are therefore an interesting alternative to the current forestry areas we call nature. Food forests are human-designed ecosystems through dual-purpose species selected for edible and serviceable functions and come from all parts of the world with the same climate zone. This seven-layer forest produces food and raw materials and many ecosystem services without inputs of fertilisers or pesticides. One can argue that food forests are a logical step for today's forested areas where, at an unprecedented rate, soils have become mineralogically impoverished, biodiversity is declining and ecosystem services are lacking. In doing so, we touch on an important issue facing us today: what is nature and what role does it play in our lives? Driven by the realisation of the destruction of ecosystems as a result of human production systems and use, we make an increasing distinction between what is nature and what is not. Is this really a desirable trend? Perhaps it will prevent future generations from getting outside at all. Understanding that the world is whole and humans and nature are not separate systems is a key output of the food forest. While we talk about the trees and plants, you learn that vitality depends on the relationships between the different parts of the whole. The holistic approach alone makes food forests worth striving for.

To spread his ideas further, Frank has set up a course on food forests. This can be read via the platform the Plant: https://theplant.nl/cursus/haal-voedsel-uit-het-bos-modulair-cursuspakket/

Speaker: Frank Gorter

The drinks will start at 18:00 and the meal will follow punctually at 19:00.

Register no later than 9 June before 12:00.

Further information or registration can be obtained via: kringrotterdam@kivi.nl