Farmer, historian, author: Dierk Jensen writes and photographs as a freelance journalist on topics related to agriculture around the world. His work focuses on farmers and the reconciliation between sustainability and profitability. It doesn’t matter whether it’s peanut cultivation in Senegal or biogas production in northern Germany.
A lot has happened on farms in recent years in terms of digital modernisation. Although it is difficult to predict where all these complex developments will lead, new options are emerging for many farms to meet future challenges.
On a test site at the University of Halle, crop cultivation endurance tests have been running for more than 140 years. Created by Julius Kühn in 1878, several plots of the 'eternal rye crop' have been grown in a field ever since, providing guidance for future agricultural practice.
Kakheti in Eastern Georgia is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world. The peculiar geographical region on the border between East and West has always enjoyed ample water supplies, fertile soil and bright, warm summers - a God-send for wine-growers, fruit-growers and farmers
Only a small fraction of farmers, gardeners and winemakers use the rainwater falling on their farm and roof surfaces to irrigate their crops or as drinking water. The mindset plays a greater role here than economic calculations.
Halters, twine and rope: Farmers from across the world rely on products spun from the natural fibre, sisal. Until the late 1960s, Tanzania was the leading producer of sisal worldwide. But then the successful advent of synthetic fibres resulted in a prolonged slump. Now this versatile natural fibre, and thus northern Tanzania, is experiencing a new boom.
Turkish agriculture has lots to offer. With products such as hazelnuts, figs or sultanas, Turkey is a global leader in production. Looking at the whole industry shows an impressive variety of products, whereas many regions concentrate on growing only one specific crop.
The pumpkin is a special crop that has a long-standing tradition in Styria. Now, the fruit with its seed oil is also making an international name for itself. Local farmers and also the region are benefiting from this.