Belgium: East Flanders turning old greenhouses into allotments

The Belgian province of East Flanders has about 360 greenhouse companies. More than half of these are floriculture companies but there are also vegetable, fruit and tree nurseries among them. According to the latest figures the total arceage of these greenhouses for professional use was 423 hectares.

The total area of greenhouse is decreasing. Companies are often discontinued and greenhouses are broken down or rented out for the winter to still active growers. Older greenhouses are also used for non-agricultural purposes.

This was also shown by a recent study commissioned by the Province of East Flanders that was conducted in the flower region (Lochristi, Melle, Merelbeke, Destelbergen, Laarne, Wetteren, Moerbeke, Wachtebeke and Lokeren).

All the greenhouses in this region were inventoried and examined for their current activity by the local ministries of ILVO and VLM. The objective was to determine the current range of empty greenhouses and whether there was need for a policy since there is also a demand for vacant greenhouses for starting (organic) vegetable growers, researchers and private gardeners.

Few greenhouses turn out to be effectively vacant. If so, starting a new agricultural activity there is not interesting (because of the state or location).

However, active greenhouse companies are still often looking for alternatives because their business no longer seems interesting or profitable. Examples: floriculture companies that have become a CSA garden, greenhouses used as a cowshed or algae farm, companies turned into a storage facility etc.

A more recent phenomenon is turning a greenhouse into an allotment. This has been done by a couple of companies in The Netherlands and recently also in Flanders. In collaboration with gardener association ‘Tuinhier vzw’ a concept has been developed that can be a valuable alternative for some growers.

Is your greenhouse well-situated for this and is offering allotments an option for you? The idea behind this is to transform the greenhouse into a meeting place for garden and green enthusiasts. To grow vegetables, fruit or flowers in a controlled environment together, under the guidance of a professional gardener or greenhouse grower. This fits into the government policy to involve citizens in food production, stimulate short chains and urban agriculture, reduce food mileage and aim for healthier eating and living, and education.

The greatest potential for allotments is in and around large urban centers (around Gent) but perhaps also in and around larger, compact villages tending to urbanization, like Lochristi Destelbergen.

For more (tailored) information you can consult the Province of East Flanders. In collaboration with Tuinhier vzw it will be assessed whether the business model is feasible for your situation. Are you just looking for a buyer for your greenhouse? This can also be communicated through