Klaus Sieg, born in 1959, writes reports, texts, features, newsletters and brochures on agriculture and food, the environment, energy, the economy and social issues. The trained carpenter and studied historian researches from Hamburg-Altona to Timbuktu.
Mustard is a global product. Following supply bottlenecks in 2022, manufacturers are now increasingly trying to use local varieties again. We visited mustard producers in France and Germany and spoke to them about their new approaches.
The protein-rich soyabean has become increasingly important for both animal feed and food production with the lion's share imported from South and North America. But the number of soya growers in Europe is rising with production better placed to secure food supply and provide economic prospects in a more sustainable way.
Tinned tomatoes are not considered a big money business. But despite this, one Italian producer has managed to achieve success by focusing on quality and fair conditions for its farmers. So what has been Mutti's recipe for success?
Zambian farmer Stephen Chinyama depends on several means to make a good living. We offer a sneak peek into a day in the life of a man running his family business with acumen, good risk management and a talent for improvisation.
In Egypt’s traditional farming regions on the alluvial soil of the Nile, there is hardly any good farmland left. Multiple projects are therefore trying to transform the desert into arable land. Can that work, and is it sustainable?
Cuba is allowing more and more private enterprise and is seeking normality in its relations with the US. Agriculture is also changing as a result.
Albanian agriculture has plenty of challenges, but the sector still has great potential. It is one of the largest producers in the world of medicinal and spice plants. But while many farmers are hoping that the country joins the EU, if and when that will happen is still uncertain.
The Mekong Delta is one of the most fertile regions in the world. Its farmers produce for both the Vietnamese and the global market. However, climate change and intensive cultivation are threatening its future.
Milk producers are under pressure from persistently low producer prices. At the same time, demand for more natural foods is rising. One solution could be to focus more on grazing management. But just "opening the cowshed door and let the cows out" is not enough.