Innovative food production
Since the second half of the 20th century, the old traditions of local, diverse and high quality food production have been lost on many historic estates. The living lab 'ínnovative food production at historic estates' explores a new model on how these traditions might be revived in a contemporary manner. Inspired by the emerging field of 'food forestry' and the idea of 'botanical gastronomy' historic parklands, former walled gardens and orchards offer opportunities for new forms of food production. The research team currently investigated the aspects of feasibility, economic viability and policy measures.
One smaller-scale historic estates was selected in the Bulskampveld region (Belgium) as case studies. The project involves a participatory process of research-through-design, which has started at the end of 2018 and involves the engagement of owners, governments, all kinds of specialists and entrepreneurs. The results of this research will be published in order to make the finding available for other stakeholders in Flanders as well as other countries in Europe. Such a model for the redevelopment of historic parklands can also be relevant for a broad range of rural estates.
