Farm of the future supporting bioregional regeneration in Transylvania Romania
Under the golden hues of a late autumn sky in mid-November, the village of Alunișu, nestled in the buffer zone of Romania's Apuseni National Park in Transylvania, provided a fitting location for kicking off a 3-day workshop on economically viable small scale regenerative farming in this local context. Initiated by a project from the LAN BKR team, the event brought together experts from the local ALPA initiative, WUR Farm of the Future, the Dutch Nieuwe Bodem initiative and RVO Netherlands Enterprise Agency. The ambition: to outline plans and next steps for a realizing a network of regenerative agricultural farms supported by a training centre.
Surrounded by meadows, woodlands, and some of Europe’s richest biodiversity, the workshop explored how agroecological farming could support the future of agriculture in this aging rural community. Central to the discussions was the challenge of creating a viable business model for the training centre and the connected farms, balancing its ecological, educational, cultural and economic goals. As a key factor for success, ALPA experts emphasized the importance of strategically securing land to maintain and restore small-scale regenerative farms that could demonstrate sustainability while preserving the region's cultural and natural heritage.
Practical sessions on agroforestry, business models and relevant stakeholders sparked enthusiasm, while field visits showcased inspiring examples of viable and sustainable practices. Participants enjoyed a “punct gastronomic local”, which connect farm-to-table enterprises with local culinary traditions. These visits highlighted the role of agrotourism as a crucial income stream for the future farm and training centre to raise awareness and attract resources.
The workshop culminated in a collective effort to define a clear roadmap for the project. Participants outlined next steps, focusing on building a solid business case, plans to strengthen networks and attract potential investors.
All participants underscored this is not just about farming, it’s about creating a future where farming, nature, and community thrive together.
Importantly, the experiences in Alunișu hold valuable lessons for other countries. Actors in the Netherlands, where the tension between agriculture and nature conservation is a pressing issue, can draw inspiration from the harmony between farming and biodiversity demonstrated in the Apuseni bioregion.
With a clear vision and actionable steps, the ALPA initiative in Alunișu is poised to become a model for small scale regenerative agriculture supporting future farmers and local communities, inspiring efforts both within Romania and beyond.
