Winners Value Ring 2025 announced

During the Week of Our Food, the winners of the Value Ring were announced on Tuesday, October 7. Delegate Jasper Kuntzelaers (Agriculture) presented the prizes to the three winners who make a special contribution to the connection between farmer and citizen: Wim Notermans, Joep Gommans and Jean Thoma.

The Week of Our Food

From October 4 through October 11, we will reflect on the value of our food and the indispensable role that Limburg agriculture and horticulture play in it. During this week all kinds of activities have been organized to make people aware of where our food comes from, how it is produced and what influence it has on our health, the economy and our society. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Deputy Jasper Kuntzelaers (Agriculture) presented the Value Ring and accompanying check for €2,500 to three people who are particularly committed to a strong connection between farmer and citizen.

Winners Value Ring 2025

In the Education Hero category, Wim Notermans received the first Value Ring. Wim is a fruit grower and sells vegetables, fruit and local Limburg products while singing in his Oogstschuur. He also performs as a singing fruit grower at elementary schools and senior citizens and enjoys giving tours of his artisanal fruit farm in Noorbeek.

In the second category Innovative Food Entrepreneur, Joep Gommans was awarded a Value Ring. With his platform Vers voor Vandaag (Fresh for Today), he is committed to artisanal fresh food producers and is doing his bit to reduce food waste with his app. His mission: "I want to create a world without food waste and in which crafts are once again central. And that's only possible if we work together to combat food waste."

The last Value Ring was handed out to Jean Thoma. He works with regional vegetables in his organic restaurant Aan Sjuuteeänjd and pays special attention to forgotten vegetables. Jean cooks with the seasons in his restaurant and received the Green Star from Michelin, an award for restaurants committed to sustainability.

Member of the Provincial Executive Jasper Kuntzelaers (Agriculture): "I think it's fantastic to see how people like Wim, Joep and Jean show in their own way what Limburg is good at: working together, innovating and enjoying delicious and honest food from our own region. With their efforts they bring farmers and citizens closer together and really make a difference. We can all be proud of that!