In the region between Budel and Weert, northern Limburg, much soil appears to be contaminated with cadmium due to years of emissions from the heavy metal industry present since the late 19th century. Herenboeren De Groote Heide in Cranendonck operates in this area. Analyses of vegetables showed that some crops contained more cadmium than allowed.
Alarmed by this, members began looking for experts who could map the level of cadmium in the soil and uptake by crops and offer advice on how to reduce it. Marjon Wijdeven of Vital Food Management and Gino Smeulders of SoilMania offered help.