The 0.2-hectare flax field sown at organic farm de Horsterhof in 2019 presented an opportunity to explore a community-oriented approach to agriculture. Volunteers, friends and family joined the Linen Project in tending and harvesting the flax by hand. Working under the guidance of cultivation supervisor Karlijn Bokhorst and in close cooperation with farmer Christoffel de Bruine, our ‘cultivation crew’ involved around 40 individuals throughout the season. Gathering lunch from the field while caring for the flax further brought the connection with fibre and food to life – the team at de Horsterhof generously shared in the experiment and the experience.

Organic farming practices at de Horsterhof focus on supporting and stimulating ecosystems by working together with nature. Their crop rotation encourages soil health and crop resilience through biodiversity – cultivated varieties are grown on the same plot once every eight years. Flax proved a natural fit. In addition to its fibre potential, the flax plants’ deep-reaching roots aerate the soil, and as a resting crop, it contributes to nutrient restoration.