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.
Sander van Kampen cultivates wasabi in De Lier in the Netherlands. The Japanese horseradish is a delicate plant with specific requirements. When it comes to processing and selling, the rule is: the fresher, the better.
In the northwest of the Czech Republic a woody perennial rhizomatous grass, originating from Asia, is being grown on a large scale by arable farmer Roland Schaumberger – who is eager to access new markets with this low-maintenance, climate-friendly crop.
Agriculture accounts for around one fifth of Ghana’s gross national product. In addition to export successes like raw cocoa and palm oil, there is further potential, although some structural deficits still need to be overcome.
Regenerative agriculture has become a hot topic for discussion, but a consistent definition of this production model has yet to emerge. The Furrow met growers committed to this path to get an idea of its key principles.
Back in the late nineties, it was all about the potato for two Germanic families; until they formed a partnership that broadened their horizons and built a strong, evolving business and brand.
Punjab has always been considered the breadbasket of India. Plenty of water, a temperate climate in the winter, and rich soils in the flat, alluvial land of the five rivers south of the Himalayas guarantee good harvests. However, times are also changing in Punjab.
Biogas and its uses account for around 10% of all agricultural sales in Germany. This energy revolution has economic heft and offers an important opportunity for agricultural businesses and rural areas. But with expertise and production methods varying – how is it working in practice?
Gut Dalwitz is organic farming on a grand scale. Even though the Mecklenburg farm has already achieved partial energy autonomy, the current energy market fluctuations are having a lasting impact on operations.
With just over 5,000 farms, Israel achieves a high degree of self-sufficiency in food. This requires innovative solutions, especially when it comes to irrigation. We present some of them in this article.
Even the most passionate of lobbyists wouldn't dream of claiming that biochar alone could save the world. But in interaction with other factors, aspects and agents, biochar may well contribute to long-term carbon sequestration and soil revitalisation in the future.
In eastern Croatia, between the rivers Sava and Drava, 80% of the country's agricultural products are produced. Welcome to Croatia's agricultural heartland – Slavonia.
Humus loss, erosion, nitrates, pesticides in flowing waters and groundwater, as well as the desire for greening and the onset of climate change are giving broad support to intercropping. We present a portrait of twelve important types of catch crops.
Catch crops expand crop rotation, enrich soil life and ensure sufficient nutrient supply. After several decades of neglect, arable farming has rediscovered them. Their selection, whether as a monocrop or a mixture, depends on many factors.
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.