The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) “De Biopluktuin” was established in 2012, located within the beautiful food park ‘the gardens of Stene’ in Ostend, Belgium. The CSA is an integral part of the non-profit organisation Buitengoed Oostende, whose core mission is to foster awareness regarding the value of nature, healthy food, and sustainable agriculture through education, experience, and collaboration, ultimately building a supportive and resilient community. Beyond the CSA and the food park, Buitengoed also manages a new forest, a petting farm, and several nature areas. The initial inspiration for the CSA came from Mr. Tom Troonbeeckx of Leuven, who pioneered the first economically viable CSA model in Belgium.

The farm, situated in the Tuinen van Stene agricultural park, is managed by two farmers (a second farmer joined in 2021, financed by the City Council) who cultivate organic vegetables, rhubarb, strawberries, flowers, and herbs for approximately 250 members. In line with CSA principles, members share both the harvest and responsibilities. By purchasing a share of the harvest in advance, they receive a fair share every week. Members can choose to harvest products directly at the farm or collect a weekly “veg-box.” The farm is TÜV Nord certified organic and has also been granted the “100% West Flemish” certification, underscoring its commitment to quality and proximity. The model promotes exceptional environmental practices: no plastic waste is generated as products are collected directly without packing, and transport-related pollution is significantly reduced since most members access the farm by bike. Additionally, the farm shop, “Buitenbeentje,” sells vegetables, organic eggs, dairy, quiches, vegetarian burgers, and seasonal products sourced from local organic producers. The CSA is structurally based on three fundamental pillars: agriculture, community, and participation. This approach allows for collectively managed self-production on a territorial scale, moving beyond individual gardening. The constant interaction between members fosters a space for discussing founding principles, sharing visions, defining goals, and building solid common foundations. A core principle defended by De Biopluktuin is food sovereignty, understood as the right of the community to access healthy, culturally appropriate food produced through ecological and sustainable methods, and the right to self-determine its agri-food systems. This ensures fair remuneration and dignity for the farmers, shielding them from market speculation. The CSA strongly orients production toward agroecology and respect for natural cycles. Biodiversity is maintained, and products are seasonal, strengthening the resilience of local food systems against climate change. The project actively pursues "zero waste" and "zero impact" by avoiding overproduction and reducing the negative implications of product storage and transport, as members produce only what they need to eat. Challenges and Social Integration The CSA faces challenges concerning both Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Societal Readiness Level (SRL). While technologies like GPS tracking could enhance sustainability, their high cost remains a barrier. Infrastructure is a critical concern: the centrally located, privately owned "Sanders" farm—which was used for storage and as a changing room—suffered a shed collapse two years ago and is now unusable, prompting the City Council to seek urgent funding and solutions in collaboration with the owner. In terms of SRL, the project demonstrates strong social commitment. Fundamental partners include the Ostend City Council and various social organisations, such as care homes for the disabled and elderly.

The CSA is highly labour-intensive, creating opportunities to involve target groups—including disabled people, migrants, the unemployed, and volunteers—in daily activities and training, helping them acquire valuable skills for future employment. The continuous challenge is coordinating these extensive social activities with only two farmers, which requires the strong collaborative commitment of all members in planning, administration, and financial management. Positive outcomes include enhanced working conditions, reduced workloads, and increased training hours for working members. Furthermore, the CSA has actively fostered social cohesion and a sense of belonging, representing a cultural shift away from the capitalist paradigm of food production towards one based on trust, solidarity, and mutual knowledge. This self-organised community proved highly adaptive during the pandemic, quickly adjusting fieldwork and distribution to ensure the continuous supply of fresh, organic food.