written by Owen Savage
September 26th, 2023
Have you ever wondered what goes into running a farm that not only produces organic vegetables but also adheres to principles of non-violent farming? Join us on a journey to Brinkholm, a Danish farm that’s not just a place of cultivation, but a reflection of its owners’ values, ambitions, and a spiritual connection to the land.
Nikolaj and Zoe, the driving forces behind Brinkholm, have been actively involved in its operations since 2017. Brinkholm, a farm with a rich history, has been owned by Cooperative Landbrugslauget since 2001. This cooperative operated on a unique shareholder-based model, where individuals could purchase a stake in the farm. Initially, 500 shareholders collaborated to secure a loan and acquire Brinkholm.
In its earlier days, the farm functioned with the efforts of three farmers and volunteers, but over time, Brinkholm’s journey led it to become a part of Andelsgaarde, a membership-based organization. This transition marked a shift away from depending on volunteers.
At present, the core team consists of Nikolaj and Zoe as full-time farmers, with Arash contributing as a farm student and volunteer assistance from Jimmy when available. Nikolaj’s educational background as a nursery gardener, specializing in vegetables, equipped him with valuable skills for the farm’s future endeavours.
Brinkholm’s Methods
Brinkholm’s farming methods are rooted in sustainability and regeneration. One of their key practices involves the use of cover crops, which play a vital role in the farm’s crop rotation strategy.
Among the eight vegetable blocks, three are designated as cover crops, acting as nitrogen factories that revitalize the soil. Brinkholm also practice no-till methods of farming, minimising soil disturbance by digging more precisely.
A central ambition of Andelsgaarde is to transform 30% to 50% of the land into wild, natural areas. Brinkholm adopts a comprehensive approach to achieve this goal. They strategically select grass, oats, and rye for their soil-enriching properties. Grass, for instance, releases sugars that nourish the soil’s microbiology. In their cultivation sequence, tap-rooted plants like turnips and chicory are followed by flowering plants that attract beneficial insects. The speed of plant growth is also a factor in their decisions.
A significant achievement on the farm is the creation of a new lake and the reshaping of a stream. This intervention not only enhances the habitat for insects and fish but also curbs the spread of invasive species along the stream. Brinkholm places a strong emphasis on local legumes, reducing reliance on imported vegetables and promoting sustainable practices.
Climate challenges, including droughts and extreme weather events, have made clear the need to adapt and innovate. Brinkholm has evolved from traditional production methods, embracing a more regenerative approach. Their commitment to this cause extends even to their choice of machinery, with a planned transition from manual planting to a mechanized planting process for the upcoming year.
Brinkholm’s Philosophy
‘All the ideas of non-violent farming come not from farming, they come from different spiritual approaches to my own life. It’s not just my work, it’s my life and it’s my whole life. It’s my spiritual practice to be here in the field’
Brinkholm embodies a philosophy of non-violent farming, exemplified by their aspiration to introduce grazing animals to their fields. These animals would serve a purpose beyond milk or meat – they would exist to fulfil their role as herbivores, contributing by consuming grass and naturally enriching the soil through manure.
For Nikolaj, this philosophy is not limited to farming techniques; it is intertwined with his spiritual outlook. Drawing inspiration from Indian philosophies, he integrates these beliefs into his farming practices. The farm becomes a canvas where spiritual principles merge with agricultural methods, creating a harmonious connection between the land and its caretakers.
Brinkholm is part of a community of growers that provides a platform for sharing experiences, discussing prices, and learning from each other. Nikolaj maintains a close relationship with his former teacher, adding to the wealth of knowledge available to the farm.
The Impact of Attending Grønt Marked
Brinkholm’s journey to find stable markets for their produce has been marked by experimentation and adaptation. While they initially explored various avenues, including vegetable box subscriptions, local restaurants, and different markets, only a few of these ventures resulted in consistent sales. The discovery of Grønt Marked was therefore a turning point, offering a dependable outlet for their products.
While Brinkholm has increasingly shifted towards restaurant sales due to logistical advantages, they recognize the value of markets beyond commercial considerations. Markets serve as spaces for personal interactions, enabling a direct connection between producers and consumers. This human connection aligns with Nikolaj’s belief in fostering a cultural shift that emphasizes our relationship with the food we consume.
Brinkholm’s journey from cooperative ownership to regenerative farming and non-violent principles is a testament to the power of innovation and a holistic approach to agriculture. Nikolaj and Zoe’s dedication to sustainability, their collaboration within a community of growers, and their meaningful engagement with markets like Grønt Marked reflect a broader movement toward an interconnected and conscious approach to food production and consumption.
GRØNT MARKED
Producer Portrait: Brinkholm
written by Owen Savage
September 26th, 2023
Have you ever wondered what goes into running a farm that not only produces organic vegetables but also adheres to principles of non-violent farming? Join us on a journey to Brinkholm, a Danish farm that’s not just a place of cultivation, but a reflection of its owners’ values, ambitions, and a spiritual connection to the land.
Nikolaj and Zoe, the driving forces behind Brinkholm, have been actively involved in its operations since 2017. Brinkholm, a farm with a rich history, has been owned by Cooperative Landbrugslauget since 2001. This cooperative operated on a unique shareholder-based model, where individuals could purchase a stake in the farm. Initially, 500 shareholders collaborated to secure a loan and acquire Brinkholm.
In its earlier days, the farm functioned with the efforts of three farmers and volunteers, but over time, Brinkholm’s journey led it to become a part of Andelsgaarde, a membership-based organization. This transition marked a shift away from depending on volunteers. At present, the core team consists of Nikolaj and Zoe as full-time farmers, with Arash contributing as a farm student and volunteer assistance from Jimmy when available. Nikolaj’s educational background as a nursery gardener, specializing in vegetables, equipped him with valuable skills for the farm’s future endeavours.
Brinkholm’s Methods
Brinkholm’s farming methods are rooted in sustainability and regeneration. One of their key practices involves the use of cover crops, which play a vital role in the farm’s crop rotation strategy. Among the eight vegetable blocks, three are designated as cover crops, acting as nitrogen factories that revitalize the soil. Brinkholm also practice no-till methods of farming, minimising soil disturbance by digging more precisely.
A central ambition of Andelsgaarde is to transform 30% to 50% of the land into wild, natural areas. Brinkholm adopts a comprehensive approach to achieve this goal. They strategically select grass, oats, and rye for their soil-enriching properties. Grass, for instance, releases sugars that nourish the soil’s microbiology. In their cultivation sequence, tap-rooted plants like turnips and chicory are followed by flowering plants that attract beneficial insects. The speed of plant growth is also a factor in their decisions.
A significant achievement on the farm is the creation of a new lake and the reshaping of a stream. This intervention not only enhances the habitat for insects and fish but also curbs the spread of invasive species along the stream. Brinkholm places a strong emphasis on local legumes, reducing reliance on imported vegetables and promoting sustainable practices.
Climate challenges, including droughts and extreme weather events, have made clear the need to adapt and innovate. Brinkholm has evolved from traditional production methods, embracing a more regenerative approach. Their commitment to this cause extends even to their choice of machinery, with a planned transition from manual planting to a mechanized planting process for the upcoming year.
Brinkholm’s Philosophy
‘All the ideas of non-violent farming come not from farming, they come from different spiritual approaches to my own life. It’s not just my work, it’s my life and it’s my whole life. It’s my spiritual practice to be here in the field’
Brinkholm embodies a philosophy of non-violent farming, exemplified by their aspiration to introduce grazing animals to their fields. These animals would serve a purpose beyond milk or meat – they would exist to fulfil their role as herbivores, contributing by consuming grass and naturally enriching the soil through manure.
For Nikolaj, this philosophy is not limited to farming techniques; it is intertwined with his spiritual outlook. Drawing inspiration from Indian philosophies, he integrates these beliefs into his farming practices. The farm becomes a canvas where spiritual principles merge with agricultural methods, creating a harmonious connection between the land and its caretakers.
Brinkholm is part of a community of growers that provides a platform for sharing experiences, discussing prices, and learning from each other. Nikolaj maintains a close relationship with his former teacher, adding to the wealth of knowledge available to the farm.
The Impact of Attending Grønt Marked
Brinkholm’s journey to find stable markets for their produce has been marked by experimentation and adaptation. While they initially explored various avenues, including vegetable box subscriptions, local restaurants, and different markets, only a few of these ventures resulted in consistent sales. The discovery of Grønt Marked was therefore a turning point, offering a dependable outlet for their products.
While Brinkholm has increasingly shifted towards restaurant sales due to logistical advantages, they recognize the value of markets beyond commercial considerations. Markets serve as spaces for personal interactions, enabling a direct connection between producers and consumers. This human connection aligns with Nikolaj’s belief in fostering a cultural shift that emphasizes our relationship with the food we consume.
Brinkholm’s journey from cooperative ownership to regenerative farming and non-violent principles is a testament to the power of innovation and a holistic approach to agriculture. Nikolaj and Zoe’s dedication to sustainability, their collaboration within a community of growers, and their meaningful engagement with markets like Grønt Marked reflect a broader movement toward an interconnected and conscious approach to food production and consumption.