Bio
Isabella Hof is a pioneering organic onion farmer in the Netherlands, taking over the farm from her father, who paved a path at a time when the market for organic was lacking.
Now, they have two businesses: their farm and an onion-sorting company. The main crops on their 200-hectare farm include onions, seed onions and flax, and they also grow wheat, barley, sugar beets, potatoes and grass seeds. The onions they grow and purchase are exported and sold to consumers through retail outlets in the Netherlands.
Due to the pressure of chemicals on the soil and climate, they have seen yields decline and weeds, diseases and pests increase for years, both on their farm and those of their growers. Because of these concerns, Isabella started taking courses at De Oorsprong and Agrosymbio and has begun experimenting with regenerative practices. Isabella is passionate about building healthier soil, products and business, and involving their growers along the way.
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“Even though we only applied StimBlue+ on a small area, we could clearly see a visual difference in the onions."
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Joost de Willebois
Joost de Willebois is the founder and owner of Domaine J. de Villebois, a family-run winery in France's Loire Valley.
Originally from the Netherlands, Joost descends from a French lineage dating back to 1180. In 2004, he and his wife, Miguela, acquired a 10-hectare vineyard in Mareuil-sur-Cher, marking the beginning of their winemaking journey.
They focused on producing Sauvignon Blanc, aiming to become specialists in this varietal within the Loire region. Over the years, the domaine expanded its reach across key appellations like Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Menetou-Salon.
Joost transitioned from a career in finance to dedicate himself fully to winemaking, emphasizing sustainable practices. Today, Domaine J. de Villebois is recognized for its high-quality Sauvignon Blancs and commitment to environmental management.
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Sven Bruchfeld & Gonzalo Muñoz
Established in 2002 by winemakers Sven Bruchfeld and Gonzalo Muñoz, Polkura focuses on producing high-quality Syrah wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The name "Polkura" means "yellow stone" in the Mapuche language, referencing the area's yellow granite soils. These decomposed granite soils, combined with clay, contribute to the wines' minerality, body, and structure.
Situated approximately 30 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean climate with significant marine influence, moderated by the coastal mountain range.
Since 2009, Polkura has implemented a dry farming project known as "Secano," cultivating 2 hectares without irrigation, later expanding to 5 hectares. This approach emphasizes minimal intervention, relying solely on natural rainfall to express the purest form of the terroir.
To optimize water retention, vines are planted on flat terrain with clay-rich soils and at a lower density of 2,500 plants per hectare. The Gobelet training system is employed, with shoots tied to individual stakes to protect the fragile Syrah vines from breakage.
Michael Kavanagh
Thompson Farm, managed by Michael Kavanagh, is a leading example of regenerative agriculture in the UK.
Situated at Church Farm in Boningale, near Wolverhampton, this 688-hectare estate is part of the Green Farm Collective—a network of British farmers dedicated to sustainable and nature-enhancing practices.
Under Kavanagh's stewardship, Thompson Farm has transitioned from conventional methods to a regenerative model focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and reduced chemical inputs. Key practices include:
Minimal Tillage: Adoption of direct drilling techniques has improved soil structure and reduced fuel consumption.
Cover Cropping: Utilization of diverse cover crop mixtures to enhance soil fertility and provide forage for livestock.
Biological Inputs: Application of composts and biostimulants to support microbial activity and plant health.
These strategies have led to an increase in soil organic matter from below 2.5% to 3.25% over six years, enhancing water retention and resilience against drought.
As a founding member of the Green Farm Collective, Thompson Farm collaborates with other like-minded farmers to promote regenerative agriculture. The collective facilitates knowledge sharing, supports natural capital trading, and engages with businesses seeking to invest in sustainable farming practices .
Transform Your Farm with StimBlue+
Ready to boost your yields and enhance soil health? Contact our team of agronomists to learn how StimBlue+ can benefit your farm. Our team is ready to answer all your questions, comments, and requests.
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