Green Care farms in Flanders provide benefits to both care users and farmers. There are approximately 140 spontaneous Green Care farms in Flanders that work on a small scale with limited numbers of people. Both the care and agricultural sectors have significant interest in Green Care, though a solid legal framework is still lacking. The Support Centre for Green Care aims to develop Green Care further through close collaboration with partners.
Gardening for seniors - Horticultural Therapy Association of VictoriaElisaMendelsohn
Gardening has numerous health benefits for seniors by providing physical activity and mental stimulation. The document provides suggestions for modifying garden beds, tools, and plants to make gardening accessible for those with physical disabilities or limitations. Safety tips are also included, such as applying sunscreen, staying hydrated, and ensuring non-slip walking paths. A well-planned edible garden tailored to individual needs can provide seniors with enjoyable exercise and social interaction.
Design For Retirement And Healthcare Environments Report - Healing GardensElisaMendelsohn
The document discusses a roundtable meeting on designing healthcare and retirement environments. Key topics included: 1) Taking a holistic approach that values indoor and outdoor spaces. 2) Understanding user needs through direct observation. 3) Designing for patients, residents, families and staff. Education and collaborative design were emphasized.
Gardening for health - Horticultural Therapy Association of VictoriaElisaMendelsohn
An edible garden has many health benefits and does not require a large space. It can be started in containers or a small plot and provide fresh food. Gardening improves endurance, strength, and reduces stress. Suitable plants include herbs, flowers, vegetables, and fruits that can be eaten fresh or used to flavor dishes. Safety precautions like wearing sunscreen and drinking water should be followed when gardening. Community garden groups can offer help and advice for starting an edible garden.
Evaluating Rooftop and Vertical Gardens as an Adaptation Strategy for Urban A...ElisaMendelsohn
This document summarizes a research project that evaluated rooftop gardens and vertical gardens as potential adaptation strategies for urban areas facing climate change impacts. The research was a partnership between Environment Canada and the National Research Council of Canada. It included field monitoring of experimental green roofs and vertical gardens to analyze their effects on surface temperature, stormwater runoff, and energy consumption. The research found that both green roofs and vertical gardens reduced summer cooling loads and surface temperatures, with vertical gardens showing more dramatic cooling effects. Green roofs were also found to effectively delay and reduce stormwater runoff. The research concluded that these technologies could help reduce the urban heat island effect and adapt cities to climate change if adopted more widely.
This document provides information on producing and marketing edible flowers. It discusses that edible flowers are best grown as part of a diversified operation along with other crops like herbs and lettuce. Organic production is important to avoid chemical residues on flowers. Popular edible flower varieties are listed. Flowers should be harvested fully open and cooled before storage. Some flowers like violas and pansies can be stored for a week to 10 days under refrigeration. Highly toxic non-edible flowers are identified. Marketing strategies suggest assessing the local restaurant market and maintaining consistent supply.
Enhancing Justice and Sustainability at the Local Level: Affordable Policies ...ElisaMendelsohn
This document summarizes research on policies cities can implement to promote both sustainability and social equity. It discusses case studies of community gardening, urban agriculture, green energy programs, reuse centers, and locally-oriented green businesses. The report finds that while few cities explicitly connect sustainability and equity goals, some have had success promoting both through partnerships between government, non-profits and community groups.
External Costs: Socio-Environmental Damages due to Electricity and TransportElisaMendelsohn
The document discusses the methodology used to calculate external costs, which are socio-environmental damages caused by electricity generation and transport. It describes the impact pathway approach used, which follows emissions through air, soil, and water to physical impacts on health, crops, buildings, and ecosystems, and then monetizes these impacts. Seven major types of damages are assessed, including effects on mortality, health, crops, materials, and global warming. The methodology involves comparing scenarios with and without the emissions to determine marginal impacts and costs avoided by reducing emissions. Uncertainty is higher for impacts like global warming, so alternative approaches like avoidance costs are also used.
Gardening for seniors - Horticultural Therapy Association of VictoriaElisaMendelsohn
Gardening has numerous health benefits for seniors by providing physical activity and mental stimulation. The document provides suggestions for modifying garden beds, tools, and plants to make gardening accessible for those with physical disabilities or limitations. Safety tips are also included, such as applying sunscreen, staying hydrated, and ensuring non-slip walking paths. A well-planned edible garden tailored to individual needs can provide seniors with enjoyable exercise and social interaction.
Design For Retirement And Healthcare Environments Report - Healing GardensElisaMendelsohn
The document discusses a roundtable meeting on designing healthcare and retirement environments. Key topics included: 1) Taking a holistic approach that values indoor and outdoor spaces. 2) Understanding user needs through direct observation. 3) Designing for patients, residents, families and staff. Education and collaborative design were emphasized.
Gardening for health - Horticultural Therapy Association of VictoriaElisaMendelsohn
An edible garden has many health benefits and does not require a large space. It can be started in containers or a small plot and provide fresh food. Gardening improves endurance, strength, and reduces stress. Suitable plants include herbs, flowers, vegetables, and fruits that can be eaten fresh or used to flavor dishes. Safety precautions like wearing sunscreen and drinking water should be followed when gardening. Community garden groups can offer help and advice for starting an edible garden.
Evaluating Rooftop and Vertical Gardens as an Adaptation Strategy for Urban A...ElisaMendelsohn
This document summarizes a research project that evaluated rooftop gardens and vertical gardens as potential adaptation strategies for urban areas facing climate change impacts. The research was a partnership between Environment Canada and the National Research Council of Canada. It included field monitoring of experimental green roofs and vertical gardens to analyze their effects on surface temperature, stormwater runoff, and energy consumption. The research found that both green roofs and vertical gardens reduced summer cooling loads and surface temperatures, with vertical gardens showing more dramatic cooling effects. Green roofs were also found to effectively delay and reduce stormwater runoff. The research concluded that these technologies could help reduce the urban heat island effect and adapt cities to climate change if adopted more widely.
This document provides information on producing and marketing edible flowers. It discusses that edible flowers are best grown as part of a diversified operation along with other crops like herbs and lettuce. Organic production is important to avoid chemical residues on flowers. Popular edible flower varieties are listed. Flowers should be harvested fully open and cooled before storage. Some flowers like violas and pansies can be stored for a week to 10 days under refrigeration. Highly toxic non-edible flowers are identified. Marketing strategies suggest assessing the local restaurant market and maintaining consistent supply.
Enhancing Justice and Sustainability at the Local Level: Affordable Policies ...ElisaMendelsohn
This document summarizes research on policies cities can implement to promote both sustainability and social equity. It discusses case studies of community gardening, urban agriculture, green energy programs, reuse centers, and locally-oriented green businesses. The report finds that while few cities explicitly connect sustainability and equity goals, some have had success promoting both through partnerships between government, non-profits and community groups.
External Costs: Socio-Environmental Damages due to Electricity and TransportElisaMendelsohn
The document discusses the methodology used to calculate external costs, which are socio-environmental damages caused by electricity generation and transport. It describes the impact pathway approach used, which follows emissions through air, soil, and water to physical impacts on health, crops, buildings, and ecosystems, and then monetizes these impacts. Seven major types of damages are assessed, including effects on mortality, health, crops, materials, and global warming. The methodology involves comparing scenarios with and without the emissions to determine marginal impacts and costs avoided by reducing emissions. Uncertainty is higher for impacts like global warming, so alternative approaches like avoidance costs are also used.
Economic, Environmental, and Health-Well Being Benefits Associated with Green...ElisaMendelsohn
This document reviews research on the economic, environmental, and health/well-being benefits of green industry products and services. It finds that landscaping and plants can provide significant economic benefits through increased property values, tourism revenue, and higher occupancy rates for buildings. Environmental benefits include ecosystem services such as cleaner air and water. Research also shows health and well-being benefits from human interactions with plants, including reduced stress and faster recovery from illness. The paper argues the green industry should promote these quality of life benefits in their marketing to remain competitive and position their products and services as enhancing necessities rather than mere luxuries.
Food Sovereignty for All: Overhauling the Food System with Faith-Based Initia...ElisaMendelsohn
This document provides guidance for faith-based organizations seeking to establish effective community food projects. It emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, carefully planning projects to fit available resources, and partnering with local farmers and low-income communities. By understanding challenges faced by the poor and building relationships across groups, faith communities can work for systemic change while increasing access to healthy, local food. Starting small and growing projects over time helps ensure long-term sustainability and participation from the faith community.
Farming for Health: Proceedings of the Community of Practice Farming for HealthElisaMendelsohn
This document provides an introduction to the proceedings of the Community of Practice Farming for Health meeting held in November 2007 in Ghent, Belgium. It discusses the concept of a Community of Practice, describing it as a group that learns together through shared domains of interest and practice. The Community of Practice Farming for Health is introduced as focusing on the domain of using farming activities to benefit health and bringing together practitioners and researchers from different countries to exchange knowledge and experiences. An overview is given of the structure of the book, which contains presentations, case studies and discussions from the meeting.
Developing an Introduction to Horticultural Therapy Course for College StudentsElisaMendelsohn
This document discusses developing an introductory course in horticultural therapy for college students. It notes that while educational opportunities in horticultural therapy have declined since peaking in the 1970s, interest from the medical profession is reemerging. A survey was conducted of practitioners, professors, and students to determine important topics for an introductory course. Based on the survey results and a literature review, an introductory course was developed covering topics like history, theories, definitions, populations, settings, and the people-plant relationship. The course aims to interest students in continuing horticultural therapy study.
Development of Green Care in Western European CountriesElisaMendelsohn
This article reviews green care interventions across Western European countries. It defines green care as using natural elements like plants and animals to promote health, social, or educational benefits. The most common interventions are care farming, animal-assisted interventions, social and therapeutic horticulture, and healing gardens. However, green care implementation varies between countries based on differences in how interventions originally developed from agriculture, healthcare, or other sectors.
This document discusses how gardens, even small ones, can have widespread positive effects. It provides examples of how school, prison, and urban gardens improve mental health, education, food security, and the environment. The butterfly effect concept is referenced to show how millions of small gardens globally are cumulatively affecting people, communities, and the planet in beneficial ways.
Flowers and plants have a long history dating back to the Garden of Eden according to Christian belief. Gardens provide pleasant spaces for people and fulfill a basic human need. Throughout history, different cultures developed unique styles of gardens, and ideas have been exchanged globally. Today, gardens incorporate historical elements while also adapting foreign influences. The document discusses the historical, cultural, and social significance of flowers and plants.
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVDElisaMendelsohn
GARDENING THERAPY Resource List of Articles, Books, Manuals, DVD's, Training Programs and Professional Associations
TOPICS COVERED:
Horticulture Therapy
Healing Gardens
Sensory Gardens
Garden Therapy
Garden Therapy for the Disabled
Garden Therapy for the Mentally Challenged
Garden Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
Garden Therapy for Depression
Garden Therapy for Autistic Children
Garden Therapy for the Blind and the Visually Impaired
Garden Therapy for Hospitals
Garden Therapy for Nursing Homes
Garden Therapy for Seniors
Garden Therapy for the Handicapped
Garden Therapy for Prisons, Jails and Correction Facilities
Garden Therapy for Botanical Garden
Garden Therapy and Community Gardens
Garden Therapy for Single Mothers
Garden Therapy for Stress
Garden Therapy for Veterans
Garden Therapy at Veterans Facilities
Garden Therapy for Soldiers
Garden Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorders
People Plant Connections
Gardening and Physical Fitness
Greenhouse and Garden Therapy for Disabled People
Accessible Gardening
Wheelchair Gardening
Vertical Gardening and Garden Therapy
Container Gardening and Garden Therapy
Adaptive Garden Equipment for Garden Therapy
Tools for Garden Therapy
Urban Trees and Mental Health
Parks and Garden Therapy
Nature and Learning
Greening School Grounds by Design
Garden Therapy for Schools
Plants in the Classroom for Enhanced Learning
Garden Therapy for Pre Schools
Garden Therapy for Daycare
Garden Therapy for Elementary School Bullies
Garden Therapy and Community Development
Garden Therapy and Food Security
Garden Therapy for Low Income People
Garden Therapy for Homeless People
Garden Therapy and Crime Reduction
Garden Therapy and Neighborhood Security
Gardening for children - Horticultural Therapy Association of VictoriaElisaMendelsohn
Children can greatly benefit from gardening by learning new skills, having fun outdoors, and developing self-confidence. Gardening helps children learn responsibility by caring for plants, understanding through observing cause and effect with plants, and building self-confidence by achieving goals like growing food. Both younger and older children can enjoy age-appropriate activities in the garden, from digging in the dirt to more advanced tasks, while developing important physical, cognitive, and social skills. Safety is important when children garden, with proper supervision, tools, and protection from hazards.
Bay Friendly Gardening: From Your Backyard to the BayKardatou54a
The Bay-Friendly Gardening Program was developed to encourage environmentally friendly gardening choices that reduce waste and protect local watersheds. It teaches gardening practices that work with nature, such as composting organic matter on-site rather than sending it to landfills. This helps restore soil health and reduces pollutants from entering the San Francisco Bay through stormwater runoff. The program provides resources to Alameda County residents and aims to improve soil, conserve water resources, and support local wildlife through gardening.
Using Gardening to Change Lives - Gardening Therapy
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
This document provides information about growing woody ornamentals for cut flowers. It discusses the advantages of woody cuts, including season extension and low pest problems. It recommends selecting plants that produce numerous long stems and have a long vase life. Tips are provided on site preparation, planting, pruning, and harvesting woody cuts. A table lists many suitable plant varieties and their characteristics. Forced branches are discussed as a way to have early flowers. Marketing channels for woody cuts are also described.
Gardening for people with disabilities - Horticultural Therapy Association of...ElisaMendelsohn
This document provides guidance for creating accessible gardens for people with disabilities. It outlines how gardening can benefit physical and mental health as well as social skills. Modifications like raised beds, wheeled containers, and adapted tools can make gardening accessible. The document recommends selecting plants with sensory qualities and considering activities like watering, harvesting, and crafts that people with disabilities can engage in. Contact information is provided for organizations that can help design inclusive gardens.
Manures are an important organic fertilizer but also present challenges if not properly managed. Applying raw manure can lead to contamination of crops, nutrient imbalances in soil, and increased weeds and pollution risks. These issues are reduced by composting manures, which stabilizes nutrients and reduces pathogens and weed seeds. The document provides guidelines for organic farmers on safely using and timing applications of raw and composted manures to maximize benefits while minimizing problems.
Root-zone heating is a greenhouse production method that focuses on maintaining an optimal root temperature. It promotes energy conservation by allowing greenhouse air temperatures to be lowered while still supporting plant growth. Hot water is circulated through tubing or piping laid out beneath benches or in greenhouse floors to warm roots. Maintaining root zone temperatures has been shown to be more critical for plant growth than leaf temperatures. Root-zone heating systems can reduce energy use compared to conventional greenhouse heating methods.
This document provides an overview of organic crop production, including:
1) It defines organic agriculture as an ecological system that promotes biodiversity and biological cycles without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
2) It describes the origins of organic agriculture in the United States, tracing back to the works of Albert Howard and J.I. Rodale in the early 20th century promoting natural soil fertility and composting.
3) It discusses some common misconceptions around organic agriculture, including that it means "doing next to nothing" or allows continued use of some prohibited materials, when proper organic standards require soil building and natural pest management.
Plum production faces many of the same pests and diseases as other stone fruits like peaches. A major disease is brown rot, which can destroy entire harvests in wet years without preventative measures like pruning, sanitation, and sulfur sprays. Another key disease is black knot, which causes galls on branches and can be controlled with pruning and lime-sulfur sprays. The plum curculio is a major insect pest that can damage large portions of crops; kaolin clay sprays and selective pesticides provide control. Researchers are working to develop varieties with disease resistance suited for organic production.
This document provides information on organic and low-spray apple production. It discusses major insect pests and diseases, and introduces effective low-spray and organic control methods. Key challenges include controlling insect pests like the plum curculio in eastern regions. Successful organic production requires disease-resistant varieties and careful management to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Regional factors greatly influence viable production systems.
Organic Orchard, Vineyard, and Berry Crop Documentation FormsElisaMendelsohn
This document provides organic orchard, vineyard, and berry crop documentation forms for farmers to record information required to demonstrate compliance with the USDA National Organic Program. The forms include logs for recording activities, inputs, establishment practices, planting stock, fertility monitoring, pest monitoring, and harvest details for each crop block. Instructions are provided on the purpose and use of the forms.
Farming for Health: The Situation In Flanders
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
The document discusses opportunities for increased cooperation between the Dutch agri-food sector and smallholder farmers in developing countries. It argues that greater partnerships could benefit smallholder farmers through professionalization and access to new markets, while also helping Dutch companies access new sourcing opportunities and emerging markets. The campaign aims to encourage businesses, governments, and knowledge institutions to intensify cooperation with smallholder farmers and their organizations to achieve sustainable development goals and meet growing global food demand.
Economic, Environmental, and Health-Well Being Benefits Associated with Green...ElisaMendelsohn
This document reviews research on the economic, environmental, and health/well-being benefits of green industry products and services. It finds that landscaping and plants can provide significant economic benefits through increased property values, tourism revenue, and higher occupancy rates for buildings. Environmental benefits include ecosystem services such as cleaner air and water. Research also shows health and well-being benefits from human interactions with plants, including reduced stress and faster recovery from illness. The paper argues the green industry should promote these quality of life benefits in their marketing to remain competitive and position their products and services as enhancing necessities rather than mere luxuries.
Food Sovereignty for All: Overhauling the Food System with Faith-Based Initia...ElisaMendelsohn
This document provides guidance for faith-based organizations seeking to establish effective community food projects. It emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, carefully planning projects to fit available resources, and partnering with local farmers and low-income communities. By understanding challenges faced by the poor and building relationships across groups, faith communities can work for systemic change while increasing access to healthy, local food. Starting small and growing projects over time helps ensure long-term sustainability and participation from the faith community.
Farming for Health: Proceedings of the Community of Practice Farming for HealthElisaMendelsohn
This document provides an introduction to the proceedings of the Community of Practice Farming for Health meeting held in November 2007 in Ghent, Belgium. It discusses the concept of a Community of Practice, describing it as a group that learns together through shared domains of interest and practice. The Community of Practice Farming for Health is introduced as focusing on the domain of using farming activities to benefit health and bringing together practitioners and researchers from different countries to exchange knowledge and experiences. An overview is given of the structure of the book, which contains presentations, case studies and discussions from the meeting.
Developing an Introduction to Horticultural Therapy Course for College StudentsElisaMendelsohn
This document discusses developing an introductory course in horticultural therapy for college students. It notes that while educational opportunities in horticultural therapy have declined since peaking in the 1970s, interest from the medical profession is reemerging. A survey was conducted of practitioners, professors, and students to determine important topics for an introductory course. Based on the survey results and a literature review, an introductory course was developed covering topics like history, theories, definitions, populations, settings, and the people-plant relationship. The course aims to interest students in continuing horticultural therapy study.
Development of Green Care in Western European CountriesElisaMendelsohn
This article reviews green care interventions across Western European countries. It defines green care as using natural elements like plants and animals to promote health, social, or educational benefits. The most common interventions are care farming, animal-assisted interventions, social and therapeutic horticulture, and healing gardens. However, green care implementation varies between countries based on differences in how interventions originally developed from agriculture, healthcare, or other sectors.
This document discusses how gardens, even small ones, can have widespread positive effects. It provides examples of how school, prison, and urban gardens improve mental health, education, food security, and the environment. The butterfly effect concept is referenced to show how millions of small gardens globally are cumulatively affecting people, communities, and the planet in beneficial ways.
Flowers and plants have a long history dating back to the Garden of Eden according to Christian belief. Gardens provide pleasant spaces for people and fulfill a basic human need. Throughout history, different cultures developed unique styles of gardens, and ideas have been exchanged globally. Today, gardens incorporate historical elements while also adapting foreign influences. The document discusses the historical, cultural, and social significance of flowers and plants.
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVDElisaMendelsohn
GARDENING THERAPY Resource List of Articles, Books, Manuals, DVD's, Training Programs and Professional Associations
TOPICS COVERED:
Horticulture Therapy
Healing Gardens
Sensory Gardens
Garden Therapy
Garden Therapy for the Disabled
Garden Therapy for the Mentally Challenged
Garden Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
Garden Therapy for Depression
Garden Therapy for Autistic Children
Garden Therapy for the Blind and the Visually Impaired
Garden Therapy for Hospitals
Garden Therapy for Nursing Homes
Garden Therapy for Seniors
Garden Therapy for the Handicapped
Garden Therapy for Prisons, Jails and Correction Facilities
Garden Therapy for Botanical Garden
Garden Therapy and Community Gardens
Garden Therapy for Single Mothers
Garden Therapy for Stress
Garden Therapy for Veterans
Garden Therapy at Veterans Facilities
Garden Therapy for Soldiers
Garden Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorders
People Plant Connections
Gardening and Physical Fitness
Greenhouse and Garden Therapy for Disabled People
Accessible Gardening
Wheelchair Gardening
Vertical Gardening and Garden Therapy
Container Gardening and Garden Therapy
Adaptive Garden Equipment for Garden Therapy
Tools for Garden Therapy
Urban Trees and Mental Health
Parks and Garden Therapy
Nature and Learning
Greening School Grounds by Design
Garden Therapy for Schools
Plants in the Classroom for Enhanced Learning
Garden Therapy for Pre Schools
Garden Therapy for Daycare
Garden Therapy for Elementary School Bullies
Garden Therapy and Community Development
Garden Therapy and Food Security
Garden Therapy for Low Income People
Garden Therapy for Homeless People
Garden Therapy and Crime Reduction
Garden Therapy and Neighborhood Security
Gardening for children - Horticultural Therapy Association of VictoriaElisaMendelsohn
Children can greatly benefit from gardening by learning new skills, having fun outdoors, and developing self-confidence. Gardening helps children learn responsibility by caring for plants, understanding through observing cause and effect with plants, and building self-confidence by achieving goals like growing food. Both younger and older children can enjoy age-appropriate activities in the garden, from digging in the dirt to more advanced tasks, while developing important physical, cognitive, and social skills. Safety is important when children garden, with proper supervision, tools, and protection from hazards.
Bay Friendly Gardening: From Your Backyard to the BayKardatou54a
The Bay-Friendly Gardening Program was developed to encourage environmentally friendly gardening choices that reduce waste and protect local watersheds. It teaches gardening practices that work with nature, such as composting organic matter on-site rather than sending it to landfills. This helps restore soil health and reduces pollutants from entering the San Francisco Bay through stormwater runoff. The program provides resources to Alameda County residents and aims to improve soil, conserve water resources, and support local wildlife through gardening.
Using Gardening to Change Lives - Gardening Therapy
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
This document provides information about growing woody ornamentals for cut flowers. It discusses the advantages of woody cuts, including season extension and low pest problems. It recommends selecting plants that produce numerous long stems and have a long vase life. Tips are provided on site preparation, planting, pruning, and harvesting woody cuts. A table lists many suitable plant varieties and their characteristics. Forced branches are discussed as a way to have early flowers. Marketing channels for woody cuts are also described.
Gardening for people with disabilities - Horticultural Therapy Association of...ElisaMendelsohn
This document provides guidance for creating accessible gardens for people with disabilities. It outlines how gardening can benefit physical and mental health as well as social skills. Modifications like raised beds, wheeled containers, and adapted tools can make gardening accessible. The document recommends selecting plants with sensory qualities and considering activities like watering, harvesting, and crafts that people with disabilities can engage in. Contact information is provided for organizations that can help design inclusive gardens.
Manures are an important organic fertilizer but also present challenges if not properly managed. Applying raw manure can lead to contamination of crops, nutrient imbalances in soil, and increased weeds and pollution risks. These issues are reduced by composting manures, which stabilizes nutrients and reduces pathogens and weed seeds. The document provides guidelines for organic farmers on safely using and timing applications of raw and composted manures to maximize benefits while minimizing problems.
Root-zone heating is a greenhouse production method that focuses on maintaining an optimal root temperature. It promotes energy conservation by allowing greenhouse air temperatures to be lowered while still supporting plant growth. Hot water is circulated through tubing or piping laid out beneath benches or in greenhouse floors to warm roots. Maintaining root zone temperatures has been shown to be more critical for plant growth than leaf temperatures. Root-zone heating systems can reduce energy use compared to conventional greenhouse heating methods.
This document provides an overview of organic crop production, including:
1) It defines organic agriculture as an ecological system that promotes biodiversity and biological cycles without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
2) It describes the origins of organic agriculture in the United States, tracing back to the works of Albert Howard and J.I. Rodale in the early 20th century promoting natural soil fertility and composting.
3) It discusses some common misconceptions around organic agriculture, including that it means "doing next to nothing" or allows continued use of some prohibited materials, when proper organic standards require soil building and natural pest management.
Plum production faces many of the same pests and diseases as other stone fruits like peaches. A major disease is brown rot, which can destroy entire harvests in wet years without preventative measures like pruning, sanitation, and sulfur sprays. Another key disease is black knot, which causes galls on branches and can be controlled with pruning and lime-sulfur sprays. The plum curculio is a major insect pest that can damage large portions of crops; kaolin clay sprays and selective pesticides provide control. Researchers are working to develop varieties with disease resistance suited for organic production.
This document provides information on organic and low-spray apple production. It discusses major insect pests and diseases, and introduces effective low-spray and organic control methods. Key challenges include controlling insect pests like the plum curculio in eastern regions. Successful organic production requires disease-resistant varieties and careful management to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Regional factors greatly influence viable production systems.
Organic Orchard, Vineyard, and Berry Crop Documentation FormsElisaMendelsohn
This document provides organic orchard, vineyard, and berry crop documentation forms for farmers to record information required to demonstrate compliance with the USDA National Organic Program. The forms include logs for recording activities, inputs, establishment practices, planting stock, fertility monitoring, pest monitoring, and harvest details for each crop block. Instructions are provided on the purpose and use of the forms.
Farming for Health: The Situation In Flanders
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
The document discusses opportunities for increased cooperation between the Dutch agri-food sector and smallholder farmers in developing countries. It argues that greater partnerships could benefit smallholder farmers through professionalization and access to new markets, while also helping Dutch companies access new sourcing opportunities and emerging markets. The campaign aims to encourage businesses, governments, and knowledge institutions to intensify cooperation with smallholder farmers and their organizations to achieve sustainable development goals and meet growing global food demand.
Care farming in the UK: Evidence and OpportunitiesElisaMendelsohn
Care farming in the UK provides physical and mental health benefits to a wide range of people through agricultural activities. There are over 76 care farms in the UK, employing over 650 paid staff and volunteers. Care farms offer services like developing basic skills, work skills, and social skills. A survey found improvements in participants' physical health, self-esteem, well-being, mood, confidence, and social skills. Care farming has potential to benefit farmers, health services, and communities in the UK.
People with Learning Difficulties Develop Confidence through Care FarmingElisaMendelsohn
The Kiem care farm in the Netherlands has 60 years of experience involving people with mental disabilities in agricultural activities. At the farm, about 200 adults with learning difficulties live and work together, participating in the horticultural garden, livestock farm, artisan activities, and other work areas. The farm sells its horticultural products while providing participants with meaningful work and a sense of purpose and community. Care farms like the Kiem combine agricultural and care activities to empower vulnerable people by developing their skills rather than focusing on limitations.
GSR's May 2013 Newsletter Issue No.23. It covers the latest major events and themes that shape the organization's activities and policies. Also featuring Christopher Danch's (GSR's CLO) article.
Business Models of Green Care in the NetherlandsElisaMendelsohn
This document discusses the history and development of care farming, or "green care", in the Netherlands. It began as small, individual initiatives on family farms starting in the mid-20th century. Over time, the movement grew through networking, financial support from the government, and the introduction of personal budgets for clients. By 2008 there were over 620 care farms in the Netherlands providing services for various groups. The future of the sector is now focused on further professionalization and commercialization.
Regional Platforms for Green Care Farming in the Netherlands
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Giving Hearts Uganda is a non-profit organization that aims to empower vulnerable communities through various programs. They support orphans and vulnerable children through education programs, provide healthcare services for those infected with HIV/AIDS, conduct economic empowerment activities like sustainable agriculture and microfinance, and offer capacity building. The organization relies on volunteers and fundraising to carry out its work addressing issues like poverty, illiteracy, and lack of opportunities in local communities in Jinja, Uganda.
Care Farms and Care Gardens - Horticulture as Therapy in the United Kingdom
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For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Sowing in the Autumn Season: Exploring Benefits of Green Care Farms for Dementia Patients
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For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
The best recipes for our grandparents
A book of gourmet recipes adapted to seniors
This book takes into account the culinary traditions of each partner country and offers practical tools for adopting a “healthy and enjoyable” diet that is adapted to seniors. It includes dietary advice, tips on how to prevent food waste, and sustainable eating guidance that can be used on a daily basis by seniors and their carers to promote good health, thereby ensuring that older people can remain in their own homes.
Thanks to recipes that are accessible to all, this project meets a social inclusion objective by ensuring that everyone has access to health through food. We would also like to highlight the unifying potential of food by proposing recipes that can be prepared alone or with others (carers, family, spouse) in order to promote connection between carers and their loved ones, as well as intergenerational bonds and diversity in the kitchen.
The recipe book complements the approach taken in the Carers’ Guide by providing concrete tools and advice to informal carers to help them support their loved ones in planning, preparing and/or eating their meals.
Green Asylum is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide economic independence and job skills to Syrian refugees through urban agriculture and handicraft production. Refugees will be trained in farming, crafting, and business skills. They will grow food, make handicrafts from recycled materials, and operate a refugee market. The market will sell their produce and crafts, with profits funding refugee programs and business expansion. The organization aims to empower refugees while promoting sustainability and community engagement. It addresses issues of refugee hardship, environmentalism, and social impact.
"Integrated end of life care: the role of social services" by Roberto Nuño-So...Gorka Espiau
This editorial discusses the role of social services in integrated end-of-life care. It notes that most people in industrialized countries will die from chronic diseases and that end-of-life care is often fragmented and uncoordinated. It advocates for more home-based and palliative care models that address patients' broader needs and preferences. The editorial highlights a social innovation project in the Basque Country called SAIATU that provides 24/7 social and companionship services to support families at end of life. This integrated model has achieved reductions in health care utilization of around €8,000 per case by filling gaps between standard health and social services. The editorial argues that palliative care should be more holistic and include social
Permatree Superfoods S.A. General PresentationJago Veith
Permatree Superfoods is an Ecuadorian startup founded by three entrepreneurs to produce superfoods through regenerative and ethical farming methods. They work with over 400 family farmers using organic and sustainable practices. Their vertically integrated system allows them to process and package their products onsite for export. Their goal is to transform territories by improving environments, economies, and communities through their holistic business model.
Nutrition and livelihoods in Uganda: the case of TASORENEWAL-IFPRI
This document summarizes findings from an operations research study on integrated HIV/AIDS and livelihood programming (IHLP) conducted by TASO and IPFRI. The study examined IHLP group approaches and their assumptions. Key findings include:
- IHLP groups can provide economic and psychosocial benefits but also challenges like stigma and diminished individual choice.
- Impacts of IHLPs include improved food security, income to meet needs, and client pride in achievements. However, some clients reported issues with group dynamics, crop/animal failures, or market challenges.
- More targeted research is needed to improve IHLP design, implementation, and evaluation; and develop strategic, evidence-based interventions and policies
The document discusses the roles and beliefs of the Global Health Council. The Council believes that all people are created equally and deserve access to health resources, regardless of attributes like religion, culture, or wealth. They work to coordinate health and social care, providing resources and support to vulnerable populations during health crises. This involves deploying health workers to facilities like elderly homes, strengthening testing and protective equipment, and recognizing social care workers as essential. The Council also advocates for investing in adapted home care services to provide comprehensive support and minimize infection risks for those dependent on family assistance.
PuraNatura Presentation GFIA 2014 Februari 2014 Abu DhabiPeter Jens
PuraNatura Foundation was founded in 2007 to promote sustainably intensified greenhouse cultivation through innovation. It receives co-financing from the ERDF to develop systems that demonstrate societal value. The foundation believes all people, especially youth, should experience fresh vegetables for health and a connection to nature. It advocates for principles of organic agriculture including health, ecology, fairness and care, and sees greenhouses as respecting these principles by providing local, nutrient-dense vegetables efficiently. While some see issues with greenhouses, the foundation views properly regulated greenhouse cultivation as lifting organic markets and agriculture to higher relevance through environmentally improved performance and increased societal impact.
Here is the half-yearly E-Newsletter of #Athulya for the months of April to September 2021. This edition has a lot of things that explains the bond between Athulya and the #seniors. Hope you all like it. Enjoy reading !
Here is the half-yearly E-Newsletter of #Athulya for the months of April to September 2021. This edition has a lot of things that explains the bond between Athulya and the #seniors. Hope you all like it. Enjoy reading! #newsletter #halfyearnewsletter #athulya #seniorcare #homecare
Website: https://www.athulyahomecare.com
Our Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Athulyahomecare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AthulyaHomecare
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athulyahomecare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athulyahomehealthcare/
The document outlines goals for a consultation process to get feedback on changing priorities and outcomes. It discusses 7 action areas (Active People, Inspired People, etc.) and lists 3 priority outcomes for each area. The priority outcomes focus on issues like physical and economic well-being, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and youth development. The consultation seeks input on these proposed priority outcomes.
Similar to Farming For Health: The Situation In Flanders (20)
This document provides a sustainability checklist for beef cattle farms. It includes questions about farm resources, management priorities, herd health, reproductive management, forage programs, grazing management, soil and water quality, energy and economic efficiency, quality of life considerations, and goals for improvement. The checklist is intended to help farmers critically evaluate the sustainability of their operations and identify areas for potential enhancement.
Sistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a PasturaElisaMendelsohn
Este documento describe y compara sistemas avícolas alternativos y convencionales. Los sistemas alternativos incluyen aves con acceso a pasturas a través de casas fijas, casas portátiles, corrales de pastura u otros diseños que permiten a las aves expresar su comportamiento natural al aire libre. Estos sistemas son comúnmente a pequeña escala e integrados a granjas diversificadas. El acceso al exterior es una parte importante del bienestar de las aves y permite producción extensiva en comparación con los sistem
Producción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para EnsaladaElisaMendelsohn
Este documento describe las técnicas de producción orgánica de lechugas de especialidad y ensaladas. Explica que el mercado de lechugas de especialidad ha crecido, pero que el aumento de la producción ha hecho bajar los precios. Describe diferentes tipos de lechugas y verduras para ensaladas, así como técnicas de preparación del suelo, propagación, control de plagas y cosecha. Resalta la importancia de planificar cultivos para mantener un suministro constante a lo largo de la temporada.
Este documento cubre el procesamiento de aves a pequeña escala, ya sea en la granja o en plantas pequeñas. Describe las etapas clave del procesamiento, como la inmovilización, matanza, sangrado, desplume, evisceración, enfriamiento y empaque. También compara el procesamiento a pequeña, mediana y gran escala, y explica cómo el acceso a instalaciones de procesamiento es crucial para los pequeños productores avícolas.
Planeando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha ContinuaElisaMendelsohn
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Este documento trata sobre la nutrición de rumiantes en pastoreo. Explica que los rumiantes como vacunos, ovinos y caprinos pueden convertir plantas no comestibles para humanos en alimentos mediante la digestión de la celulosa. También destaca que la mayoría de las tierras son aptas solo para pastoreo, no para cultivo, y que el pastoreo es una forma eficiente de convertir la biomasa vegetal en alimentos como carne y leche. Además, resalta la importancia de entender la nutrición de los rumiantes considerando fact
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Pedro quiere vender sus productos agrícolas pero no puede vender todo en el mercado local y los comerciantes le ofrecen precios bajos. José le sugiere vender a instituciones como escuelas, hospitales y asilos de ancianos. José introduce a Pedro con el comprador de alimentos del hospital local. El comprador está interesado en comprar productos de la granja de Pedro y pide detalles sobre sus productos, precios y disponibilidad. Pedro comienza a vender lechuga al hospital y el comprador pide un volumen mayor, pero Pedro no puede
Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...ElisaMendelsohn
Los escarabajos del pepino son plagas importantes de cultivos de cucurbitáceas en los Estados Unidos. Transmiten enfermedades bacterianas y virales y causan daño directo al alimentarse de raíces, tallos, hojas y frutos. Sus ciclos de vida y las medidas orgánicas de control como plantación tardía, cobertores flotantes, cultivos trampa e insecticidas botánicos deben ser comprendidos para implementar estrategias de manejo integrado efectivas.
Las Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase OrgánicoElisaMendelsohn
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Este documento describe los requisitos para la certificación orgánica de granjas y el Programa Orgánico Nacional de los EE.UU. Los agricultores que quieran vender sus productos como orgánicos deben obtener la certificación de un agente acreditado. La certificación asegura a los consumidores que los productos cumplen con las normas orgánicas. El Programa Orgánico Nacional estableció normas uniformes para la certificación y acredita agentes certificadores. Los agricultores deben cumplir con las normas de producción e
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This document provides an overview of transgenic crops, including:
1) A brief history of transgenic crop development and the governing policies surrounding the technology.
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Architectural and constructions management experience since 2003 including 18 years located in UAE.
Coordinate and oversee all technical activities relating to architectural and construction projects,
including directing the design team, reviewing drafts and computer models, and approving design
changes.
Organize and typically develop, and review building plans, ensuring that a project meets all safety and
environmental standards.
Prepare feasibility studies, construction contracts, and tender documents with specifications and
tender analyses.
Consulting with clients, work on formulating equipment and labor cost estimates, ensuring a project
meets environmental, safety, structural, zoning, and aesthetic standards.
Monitoring the progress of a project to assess whether or not it is in compliance with building plans
and project deadlines.
Attention to detail, exceptional time management, and strong problem-solving and communication
skills are required for this role.
International Upcycling Research Network advisory board meeting 4Kyungeun Sung
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2. 182 K. GORIS ET AL.
ever since the fifteenth century. Other care facilities, such as the University
Psychiatric Centre Sint-Kamillus in Bierbeek, started their own farm in the 1930s in
order to be able to grow their own vegetables and fruit and to produce their own
meat.
Here and there similar initiatives have cropped up during the last few decennia,
mostly for people with a mental handicap and for the young. The last few years there
has been a significant increase in the number of initiatives where there is a
cooperation between care facilities and active agricultural and horticultural farms.
What is so special about Green Care? All the participants find surplus values that
bring about their own benefits and strengthen each other as well. In this way the
total added value is larger than the sum of the surplus values for the separate groups
of interested parties.
The clients, Green-Care users
Since the target groups can be so diverse, we cannot simply speak of ‘demanders of
care’. As a matter of fact, not every user or demander actually needs ‘care’.
Therefore we call them Green Care users, a general term.
The experience in practice is that the surplus value for Green Care users lies in
the area of extra quality dimensions, such as:
Green Care usually takes place outside the walls of the care institution and
therefore in a totally different context. Farms are often still real family
enterprises, run by husband and wife, not by directors, psychologists or
educators. These farms are often visited by buyers, suppliers, vets etc. In this
way the clients become more integrated in the ‘normal’ society.
As the number of clients in Green Care initiatives is very limited, the care is
often offered ‘to measure’. This gives the clients a feeling of personal approach
and they can be dealt with in an informal manner. The environment in which the
care is offered, is much more homelike and familiar as well.
Participating in the work of a farm by definition implies that the clients are
actively involved. The activities often need to take place as a rule and are
therefore meaningful and task-oriented. An appeal is made to the potential of the
clients and they often feel themselves evolve. The result of participating in a day
like that usually brings with it a feeling of being ‘healthily tired’.
Naturally the listed advantages are not part of an all-inn quality basket that will
be applicable for everybody at all times. For demential elderly persons, for example,
the surplus value of relief on a care farm will lie more in the opportunities for
resting, staying in a restful environment and in some cases the link with their
agrarian past. For troubled youngsters, the surplus value lies more in the domain of a
growing self-confidence, learning to enter into relationships and taking on
responsibilities.
3. FLANDERS 183
The Green Care provisions
Green Care workers can be individual carers such as professional domiciliary nurses
and family volunteer carers. But they can also be a variety of intra- and extra-mural
institutions such as rest homes, psychiatric institutions, day-care centres, home-care
services etc.
The most obvious advantages found in practice ensue from the healing aspect of
working with nature. Working in a vegetable garden, taking care of animals, being
cared for outside the walls of the traditional institution, boosts the sense of well-
being of the clients. This factor increases the quality of the assistance and – in this
way – is a welcome bonus for the care institution and the care providers.
Here too, the surplus value is to be found in an important underlying value,
namely the socialization of care. Important developments may be noted in the
vision of care. Socialization of care fits within the view that people with a handicap,
sick people, people who have gone off the rails and so on must be able to participate
fully in society.
The first step in a renewed care policy has thus far been going ‘extra muros’: the
necessity of social participation has led to shifts within the care institutions: from
large- to small-scale living and care facilities, supervised independent living, day-
activities centres, more home care…
Blown over from The Netherlands in the 1980s, this was also preached in Flanders
in the 1990s, where quality of living for clients was considered to be of paramount
importance.
Socialization is in fact much more than going extra muros. To ‘empower’ these
vulnerable people as much as possible into fully-fledged citizens, care institutions
must be supported by ‘ordinary’ civilian initiatives. Only if employers, educational
institutions, distributors of social benefits, building societies and the authorities, as
well as farmers support this climate, there will be a real connection and –
consequently – a socialization of care.
The Green Care farms
At this moment, Green Care has a social surplus value particularly for the farmers
and farmers’ wives:
Next to the mere production of crops or raising animals, agriculture is given a
new social task, and consequently a broader base. This creates a larger social
surplus value for the farms that provide Green Care. Apart from economics and
ecology, a third sustainability aspect is put into practice in this way.
There is a natural bond between the social sector and the green sector: taking
care of people is directly related to taking care of animals and plants. As a matter
of fact, it is not a coincidence that quite a lot of women farmers and
horticulturists have a degree in some social science. On the agricultural and
horticultural farms where Green Care is provided at this moment, both husband
and wife can to a large extent use earlier relevant experiences or even degrees in
the social sector.
4. 184 K. GORIS ET AL.
After all, farmers have – by their very nature – a number of personality traits that
make them potentially good care providers: a healthy horse sense, down to earth,
sober, simple, fixed daily routines, respect for nature and its creatures...
Green Care brings farmer and citizen closely together again. New social
networks will spring up for the farmer(’s wife) across sector boundaries.
Green Care can contribute valuably to creating a positive image of agriculture:
from ‘polluter’ to ‘healer’.
Moreover, Green Care could provide an economic surplus value. Within the
framework of renovation of the countryside, diversification of agriculture and
horticulture continuously comes up. Green Care could be an example of this. It can
provide an extra income, which leads to spreading of risks and decreases
dependence. At this moment, this is not yet possible because remunerations are
almost inexistent.
CURRENT SITUATION OF GREEN CARE
What is Green Care?
Green Care can be found in varied and combined forms: day spending, relief during
the day or 24 hours a day, employment as reintegration or labour care, as well as
therapy in the shape of relaxation, development of the personality or learning social
skills. It may involve short-term or long-term stay, in a narrow or loose cooperation
with the care institution. Most often they are small-scale initiatives in which a
limited number of clients are cared for.
For whom?
A broad range of vulnerable groups qualifies for Green Care:
people with a mental and/or physical handicap
people with psychiatric problems
young people from youth-welfare work
children
(former) addicts, (former) inmates
(demential) elderly persons
people with depression or burn out
underprivileged persons, the long-term unemployed
homeless people.
At this moment the largest number of initiatives is aimed at young people,
persons with a mental handicap and persons with psychiatric problems. To a lesser
degree the (long-term) unemployed, elderly people, (former) addicts and children
are involved.
5. FLANDERS 185
Possible models
As far as the approach is concerned, in Flanders three main models are distinguished
(Table 1):
Model 1: cooperative model, individual clients
Via a care institution, care demanders are received on an active agricultural or
horticultural farm. Here the care demander is involved in the daily work on the
farm as much as possible. The farm provides care ‘to measure’. The care
institution is responsible for follow-up. Most often the care institution works
with one farm; some institutions are developing a network of care farms that they
can call upon. In a number of cases there is cooperation with animal shelters,
riding schools, nature reserves…
Model 2: cooperative model, groups
Active agricultural or horticultural farms put their infrastructure at the disposal
of a care institution, but they themselves have to spend no or little time on
reception. Supervisors from the care institution are responsible for the care of the
care demanders. Here too, there can be cooperation with e.g. animal shelters,
riding schools, nature reserves…
Model 3: institutional farm
The care farm is started within or is part of a care institution. Here we talk of an
institutional farm. In Flanders they are often sheltered workplaces, labour care
centres, day-care centres or other partial services within the care institutions.
Table 1. Main models of Green Care farms
Possible models Number of farms
1. Cooperation, individuals 91
2. Cooperation, groups 12
3. Institutional farm 39
Combinations of these models may be found as well. They may be, for instance,
a care institution that has its own institutional farm but also cooperates with an
active agricultural farm. There are approximately 140 Green Care farms in Flanders.
This is 0.4 % of the total amount of agricultural of horticultural farms. Most of them
belong to model 1.
ORGANIZATION OF THE GREEN CARE SECTOR
Recently a few umbrella organizations that are concerned with Green Care have
sprung up in Flanders.
Support Centre for Green Care
In 2003 a study was conducted that examined the viability of a Support Centre for
Green Care initiatives. In the care sector as well as in the agricultural sector
6. 186 K. GORIS ET AL.
enquiries were made about the surplus value and the bottlenecks of Green Care. The
possible tasks for a Support Centre were put to the question as well.
The Flemish Support Centre for Green Care has officially existed since January
2004. Its primary goal is promoting Green Care in Flanders. It is certain to exist
until 2006.
Care organizations, active care farms and interested farmers/horticulturists can
contact the Support Centre for:
all information on Green Care: visits, website, newsletter, training and extension
contacts with interested care organizations and interested agricultural or
horticultural farms
support at start up of cooperation between care organizations and farms
meeting active Green Care initiatives: information and demonstration days, study
visits, consultation platforms, study groups, working groups.
Behind the scenes, the Centre also works/cooperates at:
promotion of the Green Care concept
appropriate conditions for Green Care
preparation of policies, consulting public authorities
extending national and international contacts
research projects
some form of quality system for Green Care initiatives.
Regional partners
The pilot project ‘Green Care East Flanders’ exists in the province of East Flanders.
It is a Flemish organization that supports Green Care at a regional level. In its
province it actively looks for interested agricultural or horticultural farms and care
institutions, and brings the most suitable partners into contact with each other. It
offers support in making arrangements and creates moments for encounters to
exchange experiences.
FINANCING STRUCTURES
As far as the financing of Green Care is concerned, a distinction must be made
between the different models:
cooperative farm: the remuneration that the farm receives for the reception is
determined in consultation with the care institution. Approximately half of the
agricultural or horticultural farms receive from the care institution a limited
allowance for expenses. Usually it is insufficient as a compensation for the time
that is spent on receiving care demanders.
institutional farm: for these projects usually existing channels of financing within
the social sector can be called upon, since the projects have always sprung from
or are directly linked to an existing care institution or sheltered workplace.
At this moment, the different Green Care initiatives have to be extremely
creative when they look for possible sources of financing. The staff of the care
institution concerned often has to be deployed in a flexible way to make the
7. FLANDERS 187
supervision possible. The existing legislation is indeed not adapted to these
experimental combinations of agriculture and care.
For Green Care initiatives that work according to the cooperative model, there is
light at the end of the tunnel since the Agricultural and Horticultural Administration
(Ministry of the Flemish Community) is currently working out a system of
remuneration. Independent agricultural and horticultural farms that cooperate with a
recognized care institution, will be able to get a remuneration for the reception of
care demanders. This system should be effective from the beginning of 2005. The
remuneration is paid by the Ministry of Agriculture. This is part of the policy of this
ministry to stimulate additional agricultural activities such as nature conservation
and Green Care.
POLICIES CONCERNING GREEN CARE
Status of care demander and care farm
The status of the care demander has not yet been unambiguously defined. Green
Care has no separate status. It is classified as much as possible within existing
systems. The most suitable system depends mainly on the target group:
young people: learning–working combination, pedagogical measure, foster care
psychiatrics: volunteer work, foster care
persons with a handicap: supervised labour, labour care
the elderly: day care
children: (after-school) child care.
But at the moment these systems do not provide a watertight guarantee for the legal
security of the care demanders. They, for instance, run the risk of losing their social-
security benefits when they work on an agricultural farm.
There is also a lack of clarity concerning the status of the care farm. Since it is
not a question of employment, the agriculturist or horticulturist is not an employer.
The perception of his involvement is usually more like a kind of volunteer work. In
the future it must be considered whether a new status has to be developed or whether
the existing systems such as day-care mothers or foster parents can be copied.
This lack of clarity concerning the varying status is causing most problems in the
cooperative model. For institutional farms the problem does not arise.
Labour inspection
The lack of clarity concerning the status has also manifested itself in problems with
checks from the labour inspectorate. The presence of care demanders on a farm was
regarded as moonlighting, which resulted in some summons. In talks with the labour
inspectorate this was put to the table and a solution was found. The labour
inspectorate accepts Green Care when a number of factors is taken into account. The
main limiting conditions are:
drawing up a model agreement between care farm, client and care institution
copy of the agreement handed to the local labour inspectorate
8. 188 K. GORIS ET AL.
copy of all agreements to be kept by the Support Centre Green Care.
This working method will be evaluated annually in an evaluation conference of the
Support Centre Green Care and the labour inspectorate.
Problems with labour inspection are mainly encountered in the cooperative
model.
RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
These last few years, several organizations have conducted training sessions that
deal with Green Care:
training course agriculture and social care
This is a one-year occupational training course that enters into the different steps
to be taken if you want to start a care farm. The training was first organized in
2004 and is aimed at farmers as well as social workers. The different possibilities
and the steps to be taken are discussed. Attention is also paid to legislation,
possible forms of organization, possibilities for financing, insurance, quality
care.
Organization: Landwijzer vzw, tel. +32 3 287 37 77
training course hippotherapy
This training course is meant for care givers who want to use horses
therapeutically. It goes deeper into the holistic vision, knowledge of the horse
and possible target groups and objectives. The course was first organized in
2003.
Organization: Arteveldehogeschool, Godi De Vos, tel. +32 9 269 91 17,
godi.devos@arteveldehs.be
training course therapeutic work with assistance animals
This course is aimed at care givers who want to include animals in their
counselling of children and young people. Care farmers (or care farmers’ wives)
are welcome as well. The course starts for the first time in the autumn of 2004.
Organization: vzw ’t Keerhof, Katrien Kintaert, tel. +32 9 238 15 58,
keerhof.16@telenet.be
At this point in time, there is no research into Green Care in Flanders.
DESCRIPTION OF INTERESTING INITIATIVES
Foster family care in psychiatrics
Psychiatric family care has existed in Geel for centuries. It has its roots in the
mediaeval pilgrimages to the place of pilgrimage of Saint Dimpna. Yet it has never
been more topical. In modern mental health care there is an increasing striving for
nursing in society at large, as a human alternative for a lengthy stay in a hospital. In
hospitals, indeed, the emphasis is on what the patient is unable to do, in family life
it is on what he or she is able to do. Family affection is central.
Today, some 500 patients are still staying with families in Geel. Most patients
are referred from psychiatric hospitals all over Flanders. Some come from Wallonia
9. FLANDERS 189
and even from abroad. The average length of stay is more than twenty years. In the
past, patients were often involved in the farms in Geel, where extra manpower was
always welcome. These times have gone. Still, there are currently some 25 foster
families with an active agricultural or horticultural farm.
A few years ago, the Psychiatric Hospital Geel started a labour care project. Here
too the emphasis of the type of ‘job’ is on what the patient is able to do, on where
his interests lie. This starting point makes it easier for the patient to try to develop
his capacities, to learn new things. But it is primarily meant to be an enrichment for
the self-esteem, the self-image of the patient. At this moment some 11 patients are
‘employed’ like this in local enterprises, among them a horticultural farm.
Hoogveld Farm, Tongeren
Hoogveld is a farm in Koninksem, a borough of the town of Tongeren. This is by no
means an ordinary farm because some eight mentally handicapped persons live there
and they run the farm. It is their farm and they feel responsible for it. On a daily
basis they themselves decide the ins and outs of the farm. Guy Goffin keeps an eye
on things as a farmer and an educator. For the moment Guy is living in a house next
to the Hoogveld and he goes to work on the farm every day.
Apart from Guy, some more educators are active in the household. None of them
sleeps in, the guests have to rely on themselves. There is however a warning system:
with the push of a button one of the educators can be called in. Moreover, the
educators draw up a schedule for the guests. As the guests cannot read or write
themselves, the practical arrangements are dealt with via Guy. It is also not really
viable to expect the guests to react independently to new situations, so supervision
of the work is constantly needed.
The farm is a mixed farm with cows, pigs, chicken, rabbits, mangold and
pastures. The farm supports itself; the proceeds go in full to the purchase of fodder
or to the vet. As much as possible Guy involves the guests in management as well:
the evolution of market prices, a visit to Agribex, the agricultural fair. That is all part
of it.
This way of supervised living and working offers enormous advantages for the
guests. They are happy there and they enjoy some freedom. Moreover, they have
opportunities for spending their days meaningfully. According to Guy this approach
is even cheaper for society than mere institutionalization.
Youth care on the farm
The non-profit organization Oranjehuis provides reception and supervision for
young people in special youth care between twelve and eighteen years old. Ten
years ago they started cooperating with farmers and horticulturists in their region.
They found that some youngsters had to be removed from their community for a
little while to prevent the tensions from rising too high. Some of these young
persons could no longer function in the group and there was no ready-made solution
for such crisis situations. This is why they contacted a horticulturist who didn’t mind
10. 190 K. GORIS ET AL.
receiving one of these boys on his farm. It turned out to be a good experience for
both parties. Gradually they established a whole network of some ten agricultural
and horticultural farms that they can call upon for their youngsters in crisis
situations.
Most young people experience work on the farm as a punishment. They are
removed from their community to go and work in a place where they don’t know
anyone. Once they are on the farm, they usually settle down quickly.
A new rural home for demential elderly persons on the farm
For people who have always lived in an agrarian environment, it is not self-evident
that they will call upon assistance and services of classic care when they become
infirm. The step from the green, wide countryside to a rest home, in a little room
between four walls, is too big for many elderly country people. The infirm person
finds himself in an environment that can scarcely be compared to the familiar rural
surroundings in which the elderly feel at home.
That is why ‘Landelijke Thuiszorg’ (Rural Home Care) is developing a network
of farms where demential elderly persons can be received and where they will be
able to spend their days in a way that is suitably oriented towards country living,
contact with animals and plants and the course of the seasons.
FUTURE CHALLENGES AND KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS FOR GREEN
CARE IN FLANDERS
Future challenges
Professionalization: recognition of Green Care as a fully fledged care form, this
means an appropriate remuneration and a decent and accepted status for the
different parties involved.
Getting the different administrations to cooperate, to break through parochialism.
Knowledge questions
The level of necessary education for care farmers. What are the minimal
requirements? How do you prevent farmers to become social workers?
Scientific underpinning of the empirically shown effect of Green Care.
RELEVANT ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONS
Flemish Government
Administratie Land- en Tuinbouw: Leuvenseplein 4, 1000 Brussel
Contact person: Ilse Maes, tel. +32 3 224 63 87
Koen Wellemans, tel. +32 16/21 12 95 (ad interim)
11. FLANDERS 191
Vlaams Fonds voor Sociale Integratie van Personen met een Handicap:
Sterrekundelaan 30, 1210 Brussel (Sint-Joost-ten-Node)
Contact person: Luc Dewilde, tel. +32 2 225 86 68
Umbrella organizations in welfare and health
Vlaams Welzijnsverbond, Guimardstraat 1, 1040 Brussel, tel. +32 2 511 44 70,
post@vlaamswelzijnsverbond.be
Contact persons: Diane Serneels (care for people with handicap)
Eddy Van den Hove (youth welfare work)
Verbond der Verzorgingsinstellingen (VVI), Guimardstraat 1, 1040 Brussel, tel.
+32 02 511 80 08, post@vvi.be
Contact persons: Yves Wuyts (mental health care)
Roel Van de Weygaert (care for elderly)
Pluralistisch Platform Gehandicaptenzorg (PPG), Junostraat 32, 2600 Berchem
Contact person: Jos Sterckx, tel. +32 3 366 49 96
Pluralistisch Platform Jeugdzorg (PPJ), Junostraat 32, 2600 Berchem
Contact person: Wim Van Essch, tel. +32 477 77 11 57
Organizations with expertise in Green Care
Support Centre for Green Care: Remylaan 4b, 3018 Wijgmaal
Contact persons: Hilde Weckhuysen, tel. +32 16 24 49 22
groenezorg@groenezorg.be
Katrien Goris, tel. +32 16 24 47 65
Provinciaal Steunpunt Arbeidszorg Limburg vzw,Thonnissenlaan 8/1, 3500
Hasselt
Contact person: Lut Ghaye, tel. +32 11 21 57 70
Groene Zorg Oost-Vlaanderen p/a Landelijke Gilden Oost-Vlaanderen, Denen
157, 9080 Lochristi
Contact person: Marleen Ovaere, tel. +32 53 84 90 27
De Sleutel, Jozef Ghuislainstraat 43, 9000 Gent
Contact person: Guido Maertens, tel. +32 9 232 58 08
Platform Begeleid Werken, p/a Jobburo, Bevrijdingslaan 44, 8500 Avelgem, tel.
+32 56 65 30 75
Koepel Sociale Tewerkstelling (SST), Euterpalaan 23, 2600 Berchem
Contact person: Katrien Van den Broucke, katrien.vandenbroucke@sst.be
Some interesting initiatives
Vzw Oranjehuis, Moorseelsestraat 146, 8501 Kortrijk
Contact person: Katrien Verhulst, tel. +32 56 35 59 57
Openbaar psychiatrisch ziekenhuis te Geel, Pas 200, 2440 Geel