GOLDEN CASE: IJSHOEVE DE BOEY – THE VALUE OF LONG-TERM ADVISORY SUPPORT
On 4 September 2026, 150 agricultural and horticultural advisors attended a presentation on the Golden Case of IJshoeve De Boey
The event explored how sustained advisory support can help farm businesses evolve and respond to changing circumstances.
The session opened with Marc De Boey, who shared his entrepreneurial journey and explained how the farm’s business plan has developed over the years. Rather than remaining fixed, the plan has been regularly reviewed and adjusted in response to internal developments, external pressures and new opportunities.
Patrick Pasgang then presented his experience of advising IJshoeve De Boey for 15 years in the areas of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) and farm diversification. He offered concrete examples of how the farm’s Unique Selling Proposition has changed over time and highlighted the advisor’s role in identifying these changes and translating them into appropriate strategic and business decisions.
The presentation also examined the contribution of peer-to-peer advisory support and reflected on several disruptive moments that significantly influenced the development of the business. These experiences showed how important it is for farmers to regularly reassess their business model and remain able to adapt when circumstances change.
A key focus of the session was the added value of long-term advisory relationships. For farmers, continuous support can provide guidance throughout different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. For advisors, working with a farm over an extended period makes it possible to develop a deeper understanding of the business, the entrepreneur and the context in which decisions are made.
The Golden Case of IJshoeve De Boey demonstrated that effective farm advice is not a one-off intervention. It is an ongoing process that supports the entrepreneur in reviewing decisions, responding to change and developing the business over time.
