Terra is the first Committee Supported Agriculture of Luxembourg: a project founded by Pit Reichert and his partners. We traced back the stream of people carrying attractive fruits and vegetables in baskets to find Pit at the pick-up point and discuss about his project.
Can you explain us what is Terra about?
Terra stands for Transition and Education for a Resilient and Regenerative Agriculture. It is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): our customers pay a subscription for the year and get involved in the production process: they come to our lands to cultivate and share the spirit of sustainable agriculture. In return we provide them the benefits of their work by delivering fresh products.
From May to December we have trainings for kids and grown-ups as well. Our goal are to promote independent agriculture and to teach the respect of nature.[vc_empty_space height=”35px”][blockquote text=”It is possible for anyone to do sustainable and independent agriculture.” show_quote_icon=”yes” text_color=”#b7253f” quote_icon_color=”#b7253F”][vc_empty_space height=”35px”][vc_column_text]What were your motivations to run this project?
I have met my associate at the Cell (Center for Ecological Learning Luxembourg) where Sofie, Marco and I were students. From the start we thought of building something together in order to show it is possible for anyone to do sustainable and independent agriculture. For example, with Terra we have started from scratch because neither of us were from farmer family: we didn’t have lands or anything! That is why starting a CSA with a paying subscription that permits us to get funds ahead and then grow the project.
What does a typical day look like for you or for a member of Terra?
A Lot of work! We have two kinds of working days: production and distribution.
During production days we first classify priorities, check plantations and gardening. The majority of the day is spent hands in the dirt! But it can change every day, our work depends on the season.
Then, we have two distribution days a week, where we harvest the fields and provide the fruits and vegetables to our clients at the pickup points: Eircherfeld, Mamer, nyuko and others.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”35px”][blockquote text=”Production in Luxembourg is almost twice higher than other neighborhood countries.” show_quote_icon=”yes” text_color=”#b7253f” quote_icon_color=”#b7253F”][vc_empty_space height=”35px”][vc_column_text]Why Luxembourg is the right place for independent agriculture?
Luxembourg is a very comfortable country to live in! It is the place where I have everything: my family, my kids and a garden to live from.
It is an unknown fact but production in Luxembourg is very solid, almost twice higher than other neighborhood countries. It is very important for people to know it is possible to get good production here.
You went through the 1, 2, 3 Go Social program, how did it help you?
At the beginning we needed structure, and looking forward to clear our goals and vision. The trainings helped us to create a better administrative frame for Terra. We also had a good coach, Mr Amel, who has been very helpful.
Do you have any advices to future CSA entrepreneurs?
Go ahead! It is a great opportunity, and a sector with big customers need.
Do you have any last word?
We have a waiting list to become a CSA member. People interested can register here. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/131823421″ align=”center”]
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