At the end of 2022, the organic store/online store HART voor AARDE was established in the De Braamstruik farm on the Voorthuizerweg in Nijkerk. The old grub shed that connects to the DID-IT reception area and offices was converted into an organic store and web store owned by Martin and Rolanda van den Heuvel. Martin and Rolanda have been a family since the late nineties and their daughter is happy to contribute to the initiative, including publicity for Heart for Earth.
Bioeurs
Rolanda and Martin have always preferred animal welfare, healthy and environmentally friendly food and living. During his internship at the Secondary Agricultural School, Martin had gained a lot of knowledge from organic farmer Gerrit Marsman, the first Eko farm in Marknesse. Together, Rolanda and Martin started a goat farm, but because the milk price plummeted and there was a disease among the goats, they were forced to stop. Through various detours and a visit to the Biobeurs in Zwolle, they came up with the idea of a Biotruck, the concept of the former SRVwagen, the grocery store that came by with all imaginable food, drinks and other household products, but only with organic and sustainable products.
Biotruck
Because organic was still difficult to obtain in the area or directly from the farmer, there was the idea to go to people. By distributing leaflets and calling potential customers, a regular customer base was created for the Biotruck, including the Braam family. The conviction for the concept was there; the connection was sought by ringing the bell and publishing. Being able to explain a different way of shopping and know the origin of the food for which the farmer gets a fair price. In the conventional supermarket, it is not clear where the profits go, but with organic it is transparent and contributes to a good environment and health. Contact with customers was satisfying, focusing on good food as a basis, and working with inspiration and pleasure.
Grupstal
But the Biotruck gave a lot of work and yet delivered too little. When looking for a solution, one of the regular customers, Poppe Braam, came up with the proposal to set up an organic (web) store at DID-IT in the poultry house. That idea was embraced by Rolanda and Martin and the renovation was completed at the end of 2022, after which the grand opening of Hart voor Aarde took place on December 16. In 2023, the store was certified by Skal as an organic store
Heart for Earth
Since then, Rolanda can usually be found in the old stable, which is now attractively furnished with all organic dry goods, fresh products and a reading table to have a chat or view a magazine. Martin combines the shopping activity with taking care of the bulls at DID-IT's Jersey Calf Project. and the cocks and hens of De Geluksvogel. In addition, it is still possible to place an order at Hart voor Aarde and delivered to your home by Martin.
A vegetable garden will be built on the farm, and the vegetables may soon be delivered directly to Hart voor Aarde. Then it's even more of a pleasure to shop in an environment with enthusiastic people and a rural view of plants and animals that grow and are raised in the most natural way.
www.biotruck.nl - info@biotruck.nl