open call
OPEN CALL ERF FARM- autumn cycle 2026
This residency is meant for regenerative farmers that are about to start their own regenerative initiative
or business, or are already partaking in one, and are looking for ways to deepen or broaden their
regenerative understanding in both theory and practice. They will do so by working intensely and all
round at Gagel farm, while getting in-depth feedback on their own proposals or plans. They will also work with EAT and RECONNECT residents to deepen their understanding of the importance of regenerative food cultures and the role of the arts in visualizing and imagining reciprocal futures.
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 2026, 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, guidance and infrastructure to deepen your practice as a regenerative farmer
42 days stay at Gagel Farm campsite in a cosy, private bell tent
Access to a covered outdoor resident kitchen for experiments and gatherings
Access to a communal indoor space for study and work for all residents
A broad, European network of regenerative farmers and agricultural organisations to refer to in your
journey to start or reinvent your own regenerative farm.
Participation in the 'Holistic Context' course at Gagel Farm on 10-12 April, 2026 free of cost.
(Participation is obligatory).
A 50% reduction on the course ‘How to start a regenerative farm?’ at Gagel Farm to gain insight
into regenerative farming and holistic management, departing from a general introduction to
regeneration by Anne van Leeuwen
A stipendium with a total of €2000 per per person per residency period.
Insight into how a regenerative farm works and who grows, hatches, blooms, sleeps, flies and dies in which season
Professional guidance by Ricardo Cano Mateo, Spanish biologist, regenerative designer and
entrepreneuring farmer at Gagel farm
3 hours a week of dedicated, 1-on-1 coaching by Gagel Farm’s own entrepreneuring farmers Anne
van Leeuwen, Daan Houwers or Ricardo Cano Mateo, based on your personal preference and focus
• Anne van Leeuwen is responsible for storytelling, farm animals and network
• Daan Houwers is responsible for our tree nursery and on the ground operations
• Ricardo Cano Mateo is responsible for design and planning
An inspirational workshop hosted at Gagel Farm by a pioneer in regenerative farming from Europe
(Group) coaching of 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 raised in this open call
• Previous professional experience working in (regenerative) agriculture
• An independent, pro-active, open and flexible attitude
• Engagement with regenerative principles is required, a deeper understanding of it is preferred
• A demonstrated focus on developing or reinventing a farming business as a main source of income
• Dedication to mutual flourishing between residents, their learning process and the farm – active reflection on the question “Why Gagel Farm? What will I bring to Gagel Farm and what do I expect Gagel Farm to bring to me?”
• How they plan to contribute to the regenerative farming movement in 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