Since 1984, De Terp Pompoenen has been committed to sustainable agriculture and nature conservation. What began as a 1-hectare organic dynamic farm has grown into a leading company in the field of organic farming. Motivated by a concern for the environment and without an agricultural background, we became pioneers in ecological agriculture.
Today, De Terp manages 65 hectares of land, where sustainable farming principles are the standard. From pumpkins to grains and nature reserves, the company works with nature, not against it. We supply pumpkins to one of the largest supermarkets in the Netherlands, while the rest of our annual harvest of 6000 tons is traded across Europe and beyond. In 40 years, we have become a well-known name in the pumpkin industry.
The driving force behind this was, and still is, our concern for the environment and our planet. The initial signs of humanity’s destructive impact on our planet were alarming enough back then to prompt action. Now, more than 35 years later, the need for change grows stronger with each passing day.
Pioneering from scratch with the feeling that we must seek alternatives. This is our mission, meaning that we are committed to contributing to the care for and sustainability of our planet, our living environment, and thus securing a future for the next generations.
What if companies were driven not by profit, but by long-term vision and social responsibility?
Since 2024, De Terp Pumpkins is ‘by itself’, thanks to the implementation of Steward ownership. This allows us to ensure the continuity of our mission in the long term, without external pressure. At De Terp Pumpkins, we believe in a future where companies not only make a profit but also contribute to the community and nature. Since 2024, we have been a steward owned company, with 100% of the shares held in a foundation. What does this mean for us as a company and for you as a customer?
In traditional companies, shares are traded to maximize profits. At De Terp Pumpkins, our mission is paramount. By placing the shares in a foundation, they become unsellable, allowing our employees to make decisions based on values and long-term objectives, rather than short-term gains. This commitment ensures we remain dedicated to our mission, which prioritizes the well-being of both people and the planet. The company is ‘self-owned’ and free from external influences, enabling us to pursue our mission for the long haul.
The foundation owns De Terp Pumpkins, which helps us stay focused on sustainability and responsibility. Decisions regarding expansions or investments are made with the mission, community, and nature in mind, not by shareholders aiming for short-term profit. For us, it’s all about creating value for the community.
Steward ownership provides stability and continuity because we focus on the long term. We support sustainable agriculture, nature restoration, and economy, and build balanced business relationships. This approach helps us create a resilient company that ‘belongs to itself’—without the pressure of external investors who often pursue profit maximization. We remain fully committed to our mission.
In steward ownership, work is not seen as a product but as a source of creativity and engagement. Employees can harness their full potential because they contribute to the company’s long-term vision. They have the freedom to generate new ideas and solutions without the pressure of profit maximization. This creates a work environment where employees are not just working for a paycheck but are collectively building a future that benefits them all.
We choose steward ownership because we believe it is the best way to create a positive impact on nature, people, and the economy. By supporting our company, you not only support a healthier future but also a more sustainable and fair business model. Together, we can build a world where companies belong to themselves, guided by values.
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