Family Versonnen

Johnny Versonnen and Natascha Van Ostaeyen, owners of Jonaver in Vremde, started their horticultural business in 1999. Horticulture really runs in the family—they’re both third-generation members of land-and-horticulture families.

In 2011, they made a decisive switch to organic production. They took that leap into the unknown after talking with several organic growers and visiting a number of trial gardens. “That’s when we saw real opportunities for organic cultivation. As a conventional farm, we were getting a bit too small, but that scale was actually perfect for an organic operation. You just have to dare to make the move.”

Of their total production area, 16,000 m² is under glass and 4,000 m² is outdoors. In spring they grow cauliflower and fennel, then in summer baby-leaf spinach. In autumn they rotate into celery, lamb’s lettuce and crisphead lettuce. Their peak periods are November, December, January and April. At Jonaver, the plan is clear: to keep growing organically.

When asked what his favourite dish is using one of their own products, Johnny’s answer is simple: “Anything! Because my wife is such a great cook.”