Flemish Minister for Rural Affairs Hilde Crevits (CD&V) launched a new call for community gardens on Saturday during her visit to the Spiesbos Food Forest in Zedelgem, with a total of €249,000 available for projects that encourage community gardening.
This year’s focus is on community development and social connections, aiming to make community gardens welcoming places for people to meet, bond, and strengthen neighbourhoods. Since 2021, the Flemish Land Agency has issued three calls for the creation and renewal of community gardens, resulting in the approval of 40 projects so far.
Crevits has announced €249,000 for this initiative, with each selected project eligible for up to 75% Flemish funding, capped at €20,000. The call targets local projects to establish new community gardens or enhance existing ones, including not just ‘traditional’ gardens, but also shared gardens, care gardens, school gardens, neighbourhood kitchen gardens, edible neighbourhoods, and food forests.
“Community gardens are far more than just places to grow vegetables or fruit; they bring people together, strengthen neighbourhood ties, and foster connections among young and old from diverse backgrounds,” said Crevits. “These gardens encourage community bonding, provide enjoyable moments together, promote healthier neighbourhoods, and offer fresh, tasty local food. During this government term, we aim to invest in at least 50 additional community gardens.”
Project proposals can be submitted to the Flemish Land Agency until 19 September 2025. Applicants should email their registration form along with attachments to volkstuinen@vlm.be. Selected projects will be announced in January 2026, with implementation starting from 1 February 2026.
