Delhaize Belgium launches the “Cultivation Academy” to advance sustainable vegetable farming
May 15, 2025 – Delhaize Belgium continues to bring its ambitious mission for more sustainable agriculture to life through close collaboration with local Belgian growers. In partnership with produce supplier Bakker and agricultural expert Arvesta, the brand is launching the Cultivation Academy—an initiative aimed at making farming practices in Belgium more sustainable. The result? Vegetables that are not only tasty and healthy, but also grown with respect for the planet and the soil, thanks to regenerative farming techniques. Belgian consumers will now be able to purchase vegetables with a smaller ecological footprint.
Working for more sustainable, local agriculture
With the Cultivation Academy, growers will receive guidance and support in adopting regenerative agriculture practices. The goal of the academy is to bring Belgian growers together so they can share knowledge and experiences to improve and optimize their cultivation methods.
Delhaize strongly believes in the power of collaboration. By working with local farmers, the brand contributes to the shift toward a more sustainable agricultural sector and supports Belgian consumers in making more environmentally conscious choices. The seasonal vegetables offered by Delhaize are not only good for personal health but also for the planet. Regeneratively grown produce promotes biodiversity and strengthens soil health.
Sustainable growth
For Delhaize, sustainable growth means reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. Because every field, crop, and farm have unique needs, the brand takes a tailor-made approach to working with growers. The Cultivation Academy supports farmers in transitioning to more sustainable practices, such as planting cover crops and using water more efficiently. Regenerative agriculture is at the core of this strategy—a farming method that not only respects nature but actively restores and enhances it.
As farmers adopt regenerative methods, they implement new techniques and technologies that can initially result in higher costs or lower yields. To encourage the transition, the partnership includes an additional compensation model for participating growers.
“As a grower, I’m proud to host this training in my fields and to learn more about regenerative agriculture alongside my colleagues. Using natural fertilizers helps store carbon in the soil more effectively, which is an ecological benefit. We’re given tools to monitor soil health and take direct action ourselves. At every step, we consider the impact on the soil and the plant—because without plants, there are no vegetables.
For me, it’s a true win-win: I manage my land more sustainably while still achieving good yields, and I contribute to more sustainable vegetables on supermarket shelves,” says Gilke Croket, grower and Cultivation Academy participant.
“By applying regenerative techniques, we ensure that the vegetables produced by our growers are not only nutritious but also contribute to healthier soil and a more sustainable ecosystem. This benefits not just today’s consumers, but future generations as well,” says Inge De Paepe, Sustainability Manager at Delhaize.
More about Bakker Belgium
Since November 2019, Bakker Belgium has been a strategic partner of Delhaize. As part of the Greenyard Group, it supplies a large portion of the fresh fruit and vegetable range to Delhaize’s distribution centers. Their shared ambition is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption for a healthier future while creating a more sustainable food supply. Bakker Belgium has sister companies in the Netherlands (Ridderkerk) and the Czech Republic (Divisov), which also serve Ahold Delhaize. Find more information here.
Learn more about Arvesta
Arvesta is building the agriculture of tomorrow in a sustainable way through its unique expertise and smart farming innovations. Active in animal nutrition, agriculture, horticulture, and retail, Arvesta helps farmers grow and increase their yields. With more than 2,300 experts and 40 strong brands, Arvesta serves as a knowledge center for both farmers and consumers. As a full-service provider for farmers and growers, Arvesta is a leading player in Belgium and operates internationally in the Netherlands, France, and Germany. Find more information here.