Healthy soils for healthy cities
On the occasion of World Soil Day (5 December), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations reminds us of the essential role of soils for agriculture, ecological functions, and food security.
This year, the theme is "Healthy soils for healthy cities". On the outskirts of Brussels, in Walloon Brabant, our Foster project embodies slow farming through various agricultural and agroecological practices.
Respect the rhythm of the earth
Growing in harmony with nature takes time. For the past five years, the sandy and initially depleted lands of Foster have been gradually regaining biodiversity. The first plantings, particularly in agroforestry, were designed to align with the pace of ecosystems, accepting the need to wait before reaching maturity. Hedges have replaced fences, and the 200 fruit trees in the orchard combine biodiversity and production. The project is based on perseverance and generosity…
“Marshal Lyautey once asked his gardener to plant a tree. The gardener objected that the tree would take time to grow and would not reach maturity for at least a hundred years. The marshal replied: ‘In that case, there is no time to lose. Plant it this afternoon.’” John F. Kennedy
The soil guardians of Foster: a human-scale infrastructure
It is the first 30 centimetres of soil that irrigate our plants and ensure fertility. At Foster, it is the growers who nourish this land in return. Thanks to the combination of varied production practices and scales, traceability and the connection to the land are strengthened. Foster brings together:
- the floral farm dedicated to fresh herbs and edible flowers of Capucine à table
- a partner in experimentation cultivating 12 hectares of arable land according to the principles of gentle agronomy, between conventional and reasoned methods (find out more about Agriland)
- the dye garden of Gabriel Beaulieu
- a forthcoming vegetable garden, which will partially supply the restaurant Màloma
- orchards and ponds
- beekeeping and small livestock farming of Jean-Pierre
These activities embody one of the pillars of slow farming: the sharing of land, energy and water resources, as well as knowledge and tools.
Rethinking our relationship with the earth — Made in Foster
We invite policymakers, entrepreneurs, scientists, local authorities, and members of civil society to rethink peri-urban areas through their soils, in order to ensure that people and nature thrive together in sustainable, green, and healthy cities.
Foster offers the rental of spaces and meeting rooms, and supports you in organising nature retreats or team buildings: an opportunity to immerse yourself in this inspiring ecosystem.
Want to discover the Foster ecosystem? Come and visit us from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm