Louis Bolk Instituut

PMS study

International research to summarize the effects of various methods available for treating PMS. Read More

Organic shopping basket

Which environmental and health criteria play a role in purchasing organic products? Qualitative research among consumers Read More

World school, world neighbourhood

The Louis Bolk Institute investigates the effects of social and green projects on sustainability and liveable neighbourhoods at four primary schools. Read More

Herbs and knowledge

Sharing traditional knowledge on herbs brings elderly together. Coordination and monitoring by the Louis Bolk Institute Read More

Trees for outdoor chickens

Poultry farmers are working together to optimize their outdoor range areas by planting trees and shrubs. Project leadership and coordination by the Louis Bolk Institute Read More

Winter vegetables Growers' network

Opportunities for regionally produced winter vegetables: the Louis Bolk Institute brings together growers, seed companies and wholesalers. Read More

Biodiversity in greenhouses Growers' network

Pests like aphids can cause damage to greenhouse crops. More flowering plants around the greenhouse attract natural enemies. Read More

Treating children's headache

Do children have fewer headaches if they– in addition to receiving standard treatment –are treated by a hypnotherapist or learn meditation exercises? Read More

New concept of health

More focus on resilience and self management. Researcher Huber obtained prestigious research 'Parel' award. Read More

Participatory research

This project has reviewed the methods, applications and results of participatory research in the organic agriculture sector. Read More

Effects of a paleolithic diet

What are the health effects of a paleolithic diet? An innovative study among participants, all of whom had increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or diabetes. Read More

Fine Flavour Cocoa

A collaboration of chocolate manufacturers, cocoa researchers, farmers and international aid organizations. Read More

Keeping calves and cows together

Separating calves from their mothers is considered animal-unfriendly by consumers. This project has been set up to improve organic calf raising methods. Read More

Stress reduction fo women with breast cancer

In this study we are investigating whether the persistent fatigue during and after chemotherapy can be reduced by a yoga-based stress reduction method. Read More

Payment for Ecosystem Services

An innovative concept to compensate farmers for taking conservation measures. Read More

Tackling the problem of feather pecking

Feather pecking is a major problem in poultry farming. Our researchers have discovered that feather pecking can be minimized by providing more room for scratching and foraging. Read More

Reducing and changing fertilizer use

This project helps farmers to reduce and change their fertilizer use without affecting yield or quality. It will enable them to comply with the "balanced fertilization” regulation (starting 2015). Read More

Green manures: a new method of soil fertilization

Green manures such as grass-clover and alfalfa are good fertilizers. Our innovative application methods will help organic farmers to comply with the impending ‘100% organic' fertilizer regulation. Read More

‘Buffer Farmers’ manage drought susceptible soils

In this project farmers are working together with water managers to improve water retention in drought susceptible soils. Read More

Functional agrobiodiversity

Employing ecosystem services to improve soil quality: in this project farmers learn to increase soil fertility by making better use of agrobiodiversity. Read More

Biodiversity in Brabant

Farmers in two regions of Brabant are working to increase biodiversity on their farms. The result: robust, sustainable farming systems and a more attractive rural landscape. Read More

Lupin in the Dutch peat district

Lupin is an attractive alternative for imported soy. In this project we work on more robust varieties, higher yields and better crop quality for lupin production on low-calcium soils. Read More

Reducing soil phosphate levels in nature areas

Former agricultural land is successfully turned into nature areas with higher species diversity, thanks to our new methods to reduce soil phosphate levels. Read More

Natural farming

Organizing successful partnerships between farmers and nature conservation organisations: our researchers are forming the bridge. Read More

Flourishing Farm

More than 550 farmers are creating wild flower field margins to promote beneficial biodiversity. Their aim is to promote natural enemies of crop pests and reduce chemical pesticide use. Read More

Farm Seed Opportunities

The objective of this European project is to stimulate the effective use of old and forgotten varieties to increase on-farm biodiversity. Read More

Bio-Impuls: Organic potato breeding

Disease resistant potato varieties are crucial for the organic sector, but their availability is limited. This project aims to breed new varieties that are resistant to diseases such as Phytophthora. Read More

Cereal production in the IJssel Valley

In this project we assist farmers in Gelderland with re-introducing old cereal varieties. The objective: to increase biodiversity within the landscape and on consumers’ plates. Read More

Economic analysis of farming in Flanders

Conversion to organic farming is a cost-effective alternative for most conventional farmers in Flanders (Belgium). This is shown in an economic analysis carried out by our institute. Read More

The price of biodiversity

In this project our researchers have analyzed the farm economic effects of biodiversity. This analysis provides insight into the ‘price’ of biodiversity. Read More

Koala project: is organic food healthier?

In this project our researchers investigate whether organic food products have a positive effect on the health of 8-year-old children who have been followed since their birth. Read More

The Bruistuin Project: green and healthy together

Residents of the Malburgen neighbourhood in Arnhem are working together in a community garden. Our researchers investigate the health effects of this innovative Green Care project. Read More

Efficacy of visualisation therapy

In this project our researchers have studied the efficacy of guided imagery (visualisation) and relaxation exercises as methods to reduce pain, stress and anxiety after surgery. Read More

Attitudes towards Integrative Medicine

This project has surveyed the knowledge and attitude of healthcare managers, nurses and paediatricians regarding Integrative Medicine (IM). Read More

Organic farmers’ networks in Flanders

This project aims to improve the exchange of knowledge and experience between organic farmers and growers, extension officers and researchers in Flanders (Belgium). Read More

Organic Goat Meat Network

Goat farmers, butchers and restaurant owners work together with our institute in this demonstration project on improving the production and marketing of organic goat meat. Read More

Organic Fruit Network

In this network, organic apple and pear growers are supported by our researchers. They exchange knowledge and experience, for instance about soil fertilization and apple scab research. Read More

Project ‘Skylark’

Objective: to increase sustainability of arable farms and production chains in the Flevopolder. Result: environment-friendlier farming methods, more stable yields and better farm economic results. Read More

Organic school gardens

In Ghana we have set up organic school gardens. Result: healthy meals for school children, and hands-on training in organic cultivation methods for parents, farmers and agricultural students. Read More

Better farming with biodiversity

In the project Better farming with biodiversity 20 arable farmers on sandy soils and reclaimed peatland in Drenthe work together with our researchers to increase on-farm biodiversity and soil quality. Read More

Nigerian network

A new organic research and development centre in Nigeria, coordinated by Agro Eco-Louis Bolk Institute. Read More

Certification of cocoa

Sustainable and organic cocoa production is an efficient way to improve livelihoods without depleting natural resources. Read More

Research CareClowns

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of CareClown visits on the social-emotional well-being of dementia patients in nursing homes. Read More

Integrative Medicine in practice

We investigate the needs and experiences of joint patients using both regular and complementary therapies Read More