Our ESC volunteer reports back about her farm stay

In this article, our European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer, Erica Conversano, elaborates on her farm stay. This is part of the ESC experience at IFOAM Organics Europe. Let’s hear about her experience! 

As ESC volunteer, this July, I got the chance to spend almost two weeks at PlukPlek (Ternat, Belgium) with Dorothea and her sister Reyne – I couldn’t possibly have made a better choice for my farm stay. The reason why I chose this place is because I have always supported the concept of “self-picking”, a practice where costumers are allowed to pick their own fresh produce directly from the fields, and after experiencing it first-hand I can confirm it is awesome and a winning choice in all respects. It is a great way for people to get a deliciously fresh fruit and vegetables and at the same time spend some time in the nature, learning about where the food comes from and the real value of it. Moreover, it is a wonderful opportunity for people to be in contact with the food that they eat, even though they are not farmers themselves. Finally, it helps avoid a lot of packaging thanks to a little organisation with washable containers or personal containers. 

Dorothea is extremely patient and warm with (new) customers, always happy to explain what can be picked and where the goodies are. She is very active and is always busy planting, weeding, picking what is ripe, workingthe cash register, … So, when you cannot find her you should look for Luna, her trustworthy dog following her everywhere. Her sister Reyne is always helping out Dorothea with whatever is needed on top of preparing delicious meals and snacks we shared at the farm. Without taking away Reyne’s cooking skills (which are amazing) I must say the high quality of the fresh vegetables does already half of the job, we ate amazing meals. 

At night I was hosted at the parents’ house and got to spend some time with the family which I really appreciated as well. Not only did I get to see a very special organic farm, I was also part of an enriching cultural exchange. I feel extremely grateful for having been included so easily in the daily routine of Dorothea and her family. I left the place hopeful about the future: growing good food in respect with the ecosystem is possible and PlukPlek is proof that this is possible.