Marcel van Silfhout: Grain Happiness, Back to the Future with Profitable Romance
Marcel van Silfhout
Marcel van Silfhout is a Dutch agro-ecological farmer, former investigative journalist, and founder of GraanGeluk (Grain Happiness), an initiative dedicated to restoring biodiversity through the cultivation of historical Dutch grain varieties. Based mainly in Gelderland, GraanGeluk combines regenerative agriculture, landscape restoration, and regional food production into a model that reconnects farming, ecology, and local culture.
Since 2017, Van Silfhout has pioneered the cultivation of traditional grains such as Veluws Kruiprogge, emmer, spelt, and Grijs Brabants Zandboekweit on ecological fields rich in native wildflowers and insects. His approach avoids chemical pesticides and emphasizes healthy soils, mixed cropping, and collaboration with shepherds, millers, bakers, and brewers. The harvested grains are transformed into regional breads and award-winning specialty beers.
Van Silfhout describes his philosophy as “boer-inclusief naturen” (“farmer-inclusive naturing”), seeking a balance between agriculture and conservation. Through GraanGeluk, he advocates for a more diverse and landscape-based food system in which farmers are rewarded not only for production, but also for ecological stewardship.
Known for his outspoken and visionary style, Van Silfhout has become an influential voice in Dutch discussions on biodiversity, regional food chains, and the future of regenerative agriculture.
Workshop ‘Grain Happiness, Back to the Future with Profitable Romance’
Marcel van Silfhout hosts a workshop at Cities Leading Food Production about his initiative Graangeluk, which started as an idealistic experiment in Wageningen and grew into a nationwide movement bringing heritage grains back to the Dutch landscape.
Tuesday, June 2nd, Innovation Square 1, 15:00-16:00, VIV Hall 10, Jaarbeurs
Register to get your free ticket for VIV Europe 2026 in Utrecht. After registration, go to the Conference Programme and add Marcel’s workshop to your event calendar, there is limited seating! Join us at Cities Leading Food Production’s Innovation Atelier!
