MESA – Transition Minett

You’ve probably seen it on posters around Esch, or in the window of MESA (thanks to our intern Alix for creating this ephemeral window display). We’re starting the second week of our Fairtrade campaign, in collaboration with Fairtrade.

In the grocery shop, as in the preparation of the delicious MESA meals, the commitment is expressed in the plate. So, from 12 to 25 May, during these two Fairtrade weeks, we want to highlight a range of products sold in the MESA grocery shop that come from ethical and fair trade.

This is particularly true of the Libera Terra cooperative, which aims to enhance the value of territories liberated from the hands of the Italian mafia, starting with social and productive recovery. In the MESA grocery shop, you’ll find good, committed organic products from the liberated lands of Calabria and Sicily. You’ll find condiments and tapenades, as well as tomato and artichoke heart sauces.

Visit the Libera Terra website to discover their history and all their products: liberaterra.it

This Italian escapade continues with products from Valdibella, a cooperative of organic farmers in Camporeale (in the province of Palermo, Italy) which supports the Salesian community Itaca, which takes in young people in social difficulty. MESA is thus committed to supporting responsible, social and inclusive agriculture.

More information about Valdibella at: valdibella.com

The Kalamata cooperative also focuses on people and collaboration. This group of farmers, born in Greece, produces high-quality olive oil and its by-products, respecting the environment and the region’s harvesting and production traditions.

More information about the cooperative: kalamataolivetours.com

And because taking part in fair trade also means highlighting local initiatives, you can find Moulin Dieschbourg products in the MESA grocery shop. This Luxembourg company is committed to roasting organic and fair trade coffee in Luxembourg.

For more information: moulin-dieschbourg.lu

Fancy a quality tea or a good chocolate? You’ll find Atelier Tricentenaire products at MESA, all made from fair trade ingredients. Through this act of conscious consumption, you are supporting producers in the South and the work carried out by L’Atelier Tricentenaire to help people with disabilities.

Find out more about the Tricentenaire association: tricentenaire.lu

Consuming fairly, and more generally, responsibly when it comes to food, means having a tangible impact from an environmental point of view, by encouraging sustainable production, and from a social point of view, by supporting initiatives that promote human values throughout the world.

These weeks are an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of our consumption habits, because together we can change trade for a fairer world!

See you soon to discover or rediscover fair trade products at MESA!

More information on the Fairtrade label: fairtrade.lu

Loane. N – European Volunteer for Transition Minett

Get to know André Zewen, who has spent 42 years cultivating walnuts while staying true to his vision of sustainable farming in harmony with nature. Despite facing a particularly tough year with harvests halved, André remains steadfast in his commitment to producing high-quality organic products and preserving biodiversity.

Adapting to Climate Challenges with Resilient Agriculture

The canton of Vianden has a rich tradition of walnut farming dating back to 1934, when the first walnut market was held, now the largest annual gathering of producers in the region. Located in Fouhren, André Zewen’s small walnut farm supplies products to the MESA grocery store.

This year, walnut harvests in the canton reached just 10% of their usual levels. André’s own yield dropped from 10 tons in previous years to 6 tons. A wet winter, spring frosts that damaged buds, and previous dry summers weakening the trees were to blame. “We’re in a transitional period. Some walnut varieties handle these conditions better than others, but we need to support them,” he shares.

Despite these setbacks, André is focused on building a diverse and resilient farm. Harvesting walnuts from multiple plots helps reduce losses during extreme weather events. Yet, climate change poses increasing challenges.

“In the early ‘80s, when I began, the walnut varieties we used suited the climate. Today, rising temperatures are disrupting this balance. We need to observe and adapt,” he says. Even after this difficult year, André remains hopeful. “Good and bad years are part of farming, but what we’re seeing now is different. Nature is changing, and we must change with it.”

Choosing Organic: A Logical and Committed Decision

On his 23 hectares, home to 1,150 walnut trees that he planted himself, André strictly avoids chemical treatments, including copper, even though it is permitted in organic farming. His holistic approach prioritizes protecting his sheep, maintaining healthy soil, and providing wholesome products. Labor-intensive manual sorting ensures top-quality walnuts, which are pressed into natural oil highly sought after by individuals and organic wholesalers alike.

For André, organic farming isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s a way of life. “Organic isn’t an ideology—it’s understanding how life works. Everything in our economy depends on nature: if we harm it, we harm ourselves. Caring for nature is an investment in the future.” Producing organically is, for him, about respect and understanding. “Sure, we could use chemical fertilizers or irrigation to increase yields, but at what cost? These methods weaken trees and invite diseases.”

André prioritizes sustainability over high yields. Every step of his process is designed to minimize environmental impact: the walnuts are washed, air-dried for four days, and then pressed to create premium oil. He also ensures that no part of the walnut goes to waste. Fresh walnuts, while less popular due to their short shelf life, complement dried walnuts, which store well in their shells. The oil, known for its subtle flavor and health benefits, retains its nutritional properties through natural processing. Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a near-perfect ratio of 5:1, walnut oil is also recognized for helping reduce bad cholesterol.

André’s Advice

Walnut oil is ideal for enhancing lamb’s lettuce, endive, or raw red cabbage salads. As a delicate oil, it should never be heated. Store dried walnuts in a cool, dry place, and keep the oil refrigerated and tightly sealed after each use. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh for up to 18 months.

For more information, visit André Zewen’s website: https://www.zewen.lu