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Nhood Hungary collaborated in the creation of a biofarm

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At Nhood, we believe that only by creating social, environmental and economic positives together can we build real value.  Approximately 45 tons of organic vegetables will be grown annually with the involvement of expert partners at the recently established Palánta Biofarm for our key customer, Ceetrus, which will be delivered to consumers in cooperation with Auchan Hungary.

Today, on the eve of the climate crisis, large companies are playing an increasingly important role in developing an environmentally conscious mind frame. Yet it is still not uncommon for a real estate company to be involved in setting up an organic farm. However, we believe that a more livable future depends on us, so we strive to improve our environment for our customers while setting an example in the field of social responsibility. We are working on a number of exciting projects to preserve natural values ​​and biodiversity. One of them is the Palánta Biofarm, where the 3P - the unity of People, Planet and Profit - that defines the vision of Nhood is particularly strong.
 


After careful consideration, we found the location of the biofarm project on the premises of the Auchan Commercial Park in Maglód, which we found suitable for creating the conditions for chemical-free vegetable production. The land belongs to our key client, Ceetrus’ portfolio. The biofarm contributes to the 3P vision of Nhood by integrating two main activities: the organic vegetable garden contributes to the ecological and economic pillar by producing organic vegetables for sale, while the educational garden contributes to the social pillar.
 


The essence of organic farming is that no fertilizers or synthetic pesticides such as herbicides or insecticides are used to grow the plants. Instead, biofertilizers and natural materials are used to preserve the health of the vegetables grown, protecting not only consumers’ wellbeing but also the integrity of the land and wildlife. In addition, local production allows for a shorter supply chain and thus a smaller ecological footprint.
 


About 45 tons of organic vegetables are produced annually on the approximately 1.3-hectare organic farm with the involvement of expert partners. Cultivation is carried out using regenerative farming methods, in a combination of greenhouse and open field production. Vegetables include lettuce, arugula, carrots, beets, butter radishes, and are grown using sustainable methods.
A crucial part of the project is the agreement with Auchan Hungary, who have pledged to provide consumers with high-quality organic products at affordable prices. The products will be sold under the Palánta Biofarm brand. The vegetables are sold in a pre-defined range of products in environmentally friendly packaging under Auchan’s Farmer to Table (Gazdától asztalig) program: palánta mix, organic vegetable mix, organic mixed sprouts, arugula and salad mix. 

We consider it important to set an example for future generations with organic farming, as a balanced diet, one of the cornerstones of which is the regular, daily consumption of vegetables and fruits, is of paramount importance for the proper development of children. Kids who know how vegetables end up on our table are more likely to eat vegetables and fruits. Therefore, in the framework of the educational program planned for the autumn in the educational garden, we organize the reception of kindergarten and school groups and families, so that visitors can get acquainted with healthy eating and the cultivation of high-quality micro-vegetables with minimal water and energy consumption.

Thematic programs of the organic farm will be supplemented with information booklets and information materials, plus, a website will also be created for the project.

The educational garden, which will be implemented in the autumn months, will be divided into three areas: the first is a so-called a three-hour garden that demonstrates how to produce a family’s annual vegetable needs with just three hours of gardening a week. The second is a composter. Various composting techniques will be presented in this area. The third is the garden of organic perennials, where the planting and care of wildflowers and fruit trees will be introduced to ensure biodiversity.
 
Etienne Dupuy, Global Managing Director of Nhood, Pascal Steens, General Manager of Nhood Hungary, Balázs Gábosy, Director of Business Development, Sales and Operations of Nhood Hungary, and Dóra Szemerédi Diána, Head of CSR and Internal Communications, recently visited the farm together and saw the processes taking place there.

Commenting on the visit, Dóra Szemerédi Diána, Head of CSR and Internal Communications, said: “During the visit we toured the garden and we are all pleased with the results so far. We plan to create a long-term asset with the organic farm, where the 3Ps (People-Planet-Profit), which are important for Nhood, are particularly well applied, as the project creates positive ecological, social and economic outcomes at the same time."