LIOF Roadtour 'Puur Natuur'

Program

9.30 uur 

Welcome HX Hoogcruts in Noorbeek: the monastery of the 21st century. With an introduction to small-scale entrepreneurship. A dynamic work environment where stories are linked to new activities. Also the basis for the Hoogcruts project where a new tourist offer is created on the basis of cooperation. And this in an environment where until recently little experience was visible.

Reception coffee/tea & traditional fruit flan from the region (fruit municipality).

11 a.m. Introduction to a new Cittaslow concept by Christophe de Warrimont, initiator of the gastronomic event "Noorbeek on the Map." He is an entrepreneur and grew up on the family farmstead de Peul in Noorbeek. Christophe is involved in setting up the local nut chain. For example, he helps farmers plant nut trees, processes local walnuts and sells plant-based treats made from nuts under the brand name SnoepGroen.

1 p.m. Visit to Nature Farm Hei 15 in Sint Geertruid. Until recently, Hei15 was still a dairy farm where many generations worked diligently in the stables and on the land. The young entrepreneurial couple Julie and Stefan Lemlijn started looking for new business within the agricultural sector in an innovative way.

Stefan Lemlijn: "Now we do things differently; we are still a farming business, but we do it in a nature inclusive way and we take good care of people, animals and the environment."

Key points are authenticity and repurposing farm. With the strength of the place as the basis for innovation. They realized a contemporary B&B and are currently establishing a food forest where, the guest is actively involved in the offerings. Tranquility and landscape are an essential part of the guest experience.  In their sustainable offerings, a link is made to health and local food.

The visit to Hei 15 will conclude with a Slow Food lunch with local and homemade products.

2:30 p.m. A dream come true: Shed 81 in Margraten: from potato shed to cooking stage. Housed in the shed, located next to the farm. In 2015, a new generation went to work and gave another purpose to the agricultural business. Now guests from far and wide come here to enjoy local delicacies.

3:30 p.m. Sustainable entrepreneurship; introduction to a straw bale house in Euverem. We are introduced to a new form of sustainable building that uses residual waste from the Gulpener brewery. The grain residues that remain are used for housing construction. The building is founded on a grid of small wood piles. Construction is in a completion phase. On the inside, the straw is plastered with loam. The home is the work of owner of the young inspiring architect Emmanuel Laugs.

5 p.m. During the completion of the road tour, we engage in conversation. This with a glass of beer in the most sustainable beer house in Europe: The Gulpener Beer Brewery. Welcome by Paul Rutten. Together we look back on the experiences of the road tour and come up with conclusions:  What message do we take home?