open call
OPEN CALL ERF EAT- autumn cycle 2026
This residency is suited to those with a culinary education or a strong professional background in the culinary industry. We invite cooks and culinary professionals who are eager to learn to engage in research that inspires a transition towards regenerative food systems and cultures. The residents who take part in this program question the current system and understand the power of food in changing the world.
ERF is a multi-year residency programme hosted by Valley of the Possible and Bodemzicht Foundation at Gagel Farm. Our mission is to facilitate the transition to a regenerative (agri)culture through the cross-pollination of contemporary residences taking place by artists, cooks and culinary professionals, farmers and scientists. ERF consists of three trajectories which each offer space for the situated entanglement of different disciplines through the exchange of embodied knowledge, theoretical knowledge, inspiration and collaboration at a regenerative farm. From September 6th through October 17th, two EAT residents, two FARM residents and one RECONNECT resident will work collaboratively and side by side on the farm. All residents will work, cook, eat and collaborate with the entire Gagel Farm team, have designated mentors, are offered free coaching and are invited to partake in (interdisciplinary) workshops in order to stimulate cross pollination.
Space, time and infrastructure to experiment and develop a personal, regenerative culinary style at Gagel Farm.
A stipendium with a total of €2000 per per person per residency period. This includes a budget for experimentation, extra produce or materials you might need or inspiration trips.
42 days at Gagel Farm campsite in a cosy, private bell tent.
Tailor-made professional guidance for each EAT resident during a period of 8 days by culinary arts educator Terri Salminen in collaboration with Roos Burger from Gagel
Farm to strengthen each resident’s creative process, regenerative entrepreneurial mindset, and interdisciplinary culinary exploration.
Participation in the 'Holistic Context' course at Gagel Farm on 10-12 April, 2026 free of cost (Participation is obligatory).
Access to the vegetable garden at Gagel Farm and a regular supply of climate eggs from our grazing chicken flock.
Informal insights into how a regenerative farm works and who grows, hatches, blooms, sleeps, flies and dies in which season.
The opportunity for EAT residents to cross-pollinate, through collaboration and inspiration with FARM and RECONNECT residents.
(Group) coaching of all ERF residents by Olaf Boswijk -co-founder of Valley of the Possible, to help guide you in your personal growth and the specific needs of your creative practice.
All applications are considered based on the response to the following set of standards.
The applicant demonstrates:
• engagement with the main questions proposed in the open call
• previous professional experience working in a collaborative environment
• dedication to mutual flourishing between ERF residents, their learning process and the farm
• evident interest in cooking with locally and regeneratively sourced ingredients as their fundamental culinary signature
• a demonstrated focus on developing or reinventing a food business as a main source of income
• solid understanding of professional food safety and hygiene requirements for the culinary industry
• communicates willingness and ability to follow necessary food and hygiene standards in preservation and cooking processes
• shares how they plan to contribute to the regenerative food movement in the Netherlands (or Europe)
Applicants will be notified by email around July 8th 2026.
For more information about the farm and program please read the downloadable PDF carefully or email: erf@gagel.nl