Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Child Day-Care on a Dairy Farm in a Peri-Urban Locality
Summary
Taking advantage of their proximity to several cities, this enterprising dairy farming family built a day-care facility for children. They cater for pre-schoolers and up to 70 in after-school care, with demand high. Twenty eight people are employed.
Background
A husband and wife team previously struggling with commercial viability and organising family life on their dairy farm in a peri-urban locality close to several cities. They recognised a demand for child day-care facilities that could offer something special for kids - in a healthy, stimulating environment close to nature. So they went ahead with an application for modest funding support from EAFRD.
Objective
The family's objectives were clearly defined. First, to find a practical solution to organising their own family life. Second, to diversify the income base of the farm. Third, to create employment in their area. And last but not least, to improve the link between the urban and rural environments by interesting children (and their parents) in farm life as a place to develop and grow.
Main activities
The main activities were to plan, finance, build and manage the establishment of day care facilities for up to 25 young children and up to 70 for after-school care. Professional advisory and development services were used to generate farm diversification ideas, and consultants were also contracted to assist with the application.
Results & Benefits
In addition to satisfying demand for child care facilities and creating 28 jobs (19 full time), the benefits from this project include: connecting the urban and rural environments; stimulating the interest of children in agriculture, nature and the environment; and diversifying the business and providing investment capital for the dairy enterprise.
Lessons learnt
Municipality support, both strategic and financial, was strong although it took a long time to get a breakthrough for the necessary change in zoning for land use. The beneficiaries recommend seeking professional financial and business advice for anyone wanting to follow this model in other areas or countries. "Above all, make use of the space available in your rural area, be different, and offer something unique!"
Project location and other information
Spoordijk 8, 5059 AP Heukelom, near the city of Tilburg
Region
Noord-Brabant
RDP Territory
Netherlands
Total project cost (€)
974 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
44 000
National contribution (€)
67 500
Private contribution (€)
862 500
Project website
Contact name
Jan and Ingrid van Esch
Telephone
00 31 13 5400 166
Languages for contact
Dutch
At a glance
Country
Netherlands
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
01/07/2007
End Date:
01/01/2009
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Rural economic diversification
311. Diversification into non-agricultural activities
Keywords:
Child care, Social services, Dairy sector, Diversity, Employment
Last update
30/10/2013