Belgium/At La Ferme de la Vallée, the public reconnects with the authenticity of the land
In the heart of Walloon Brabant, Ferme de la Vallée is opening its doors on May 1 for its annual Fête Champêtre. An initiative that goes far beyond a simple festive day: it enables consumers to rediscover the origins of their food and understand the daily lives of those who produce it.
"People are looking for contact with the land, but it's not easy to find," observes Françoise Sneessens, a farmer who has carried on the family tradition for four generations. "People want to learn, to understand where their food comes from. They don 't need much to be amazed, in fact. They're just looking for nature and authenticity , so that's what we want to offer them. Discover the world of the farm. And it works! Visitors, young and old, always leave with stars in their eyes."
The farm's educational program, launched in 1993, aims to recreate this fundamental link. Through hands-on experiences, visitors discover the realities of the farming profession. From milking cows to making butter, from sowing to harvesting, each step reveals the authenticity of agricultural work. The May 1st event will offer complete immersion: "people will be able to shear sheep, make butter, discover the animals, take a barefoot trail, too, offering 11 different sensations. There will be a garden of scents, an insect hotel and tractor rides. In short, it's a real nature day where people can reconnect with the land," Françoise points out.
A farm can be much more than a place of production
"When people put their hands in the soil or participate in the making of their food, they really understand where the products come from," explains the farmer. This reconnection with the agricultural world changes perspectives. Visitors leave with a new awareness of their food and the work of those who produce it. "It also teaches respect for animals. Children who learn to respect animals indirectly learn to respect themselves and others."
This year, the involvement of the Ways Pioneers in the organization adds an extra dimension, showing that agriculture can also be a field of commitment for young people. "They'll be coming in about ten of them to take care of the snacks and drinks," explains Françoise. Their participation will enable them to finance their trip to Thailand this summer.
Ferme de la Vallée also offers family visits, by appointment, throughout the year."It's a big hit," says Françoise. "We welcome small groups of up to four adults and their children, for low-budget tours."
At a time when food issues are central, these moments of encounter between producers and consumers are becoming essential. La Ferme de la Vallée proves that a farm can be much more than a place of production: it can be a place where the vital link between man and the land is rebuilt.
Source: www.rtbf.be/
