Leading the way in sweetcorn
A fresh cob of sweetcorn on the barbecue with a good piece of beef - what could be better? Nothing, according to Dutch maize and cattle producer, Giel Hermans, who is leading the way in this market.
Special Crops
Are cover crops a good ally for sunflowers?
Planting cover crops before growing sunflowers can increase yields, as trials at the French agricultural research centre - the Terres Inovia Institute – have revealed.
With tradition and technology from seedlings to Christmas trees
The Strübbe family has been managing their farm since 1344. What started as a traditional mixed farm has developed into one of the largest Christmas tree producers in the region. With 15 permanent employees, 40 seasonal workers, and state-of-the-art technology, thousands of Nordmann firs are cared for here every year, from planting to sale.
Carolino rice from Lezírias Ribatejanas
Rice is the third largest grain crop in the world after wheat and maize. In Portugal, it is produced in the basins of the Mondego, Tagus and Sado rivers, and Carolino rice is the most popular variety. So what challenges and opportunities is the sector facing?
Protein Shortage: Are Insects the Solution?
Waste from food production is highly appealing to the black soldier fly, while it enhances biomass production at the same time. A professional approach to raising and using this fly could therefore present a promising opportunity to address the challenges of land, water, and energy scarcity. Danish farmers Carsten Lind Pedersen and Jane Lind Sam have built a large farm dedicated to this insect.
Popcorn is poppin´
FIT-POP popcorn is sold in Iowa grocery stores and movie theaters. It all started in the 1980s, when Jim Fitkin and his family decided to give this crop a try.
The “Black Gold” Attracting More And More Farmers
Black truffles (Tuber melanosporum) are a highly prized delicacy among gourmets. They have an intense aroma that is described as earthy, nutty and spicy. Production is on a small scale and is limited to certain areas. However, it can pay over €1000/kg (£846/kg). This makes it one of the most profitable agricultural crops currently available.
Our cabbage has an oriental touch
Researchers investigating the link between cabbage varieties revealed that our cabbage in Northwest Europe has a historical connection to the Middle East – which could favour the future development of new climate resiliant cabbage varities.
Uzbekistan’s White Gold
It was once a much-praised country on the Silk Road, but then came along cotton and a bad reputation. Uzbekistan set out to change that – and has achieved a great deal in just a few years.
Farming blackcurrants regeneratively
Farming blackcurrants regeneratively for Ribena, Rosie Begg is in the driving seat of a new research project which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during fruit production. Marianne Curtis finds out more.
Camelina – the comeback of an underestimated oil plant
In the past, camelina was cultivated throughout Europe as the ‘rapeseed of the Bronze and Iron Ages’. It was then forgotten in favour of more lucrative crops and ended up on the red list of endangered native crops. A German scholar rediscovered it: Thomas Kaiser has been working tirelessly for over 30 years to reintroduce camelina into arable farming.
The northernmost olive grove in the world
On the 51st degree of latitude, in Puhlheim near Cologne, Germany, 115 fit olive trees sway in the wind. An unusual sight, because, at least in this country, olive trees are still exotic. According to operations manager Michael Becker, this could change as the climate keeps changing.
Playing it safe with soya
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.
Sustainable coffee: Made in Vietnam
Delicious, organically grown coffee is the passion and pursuit of one coffee grower in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Aeroco Coffee, with its focus on sustainable production, want to show the world their passion for Vietnamese coffee. The Furrow joins them on a tour of their Ea Kao Lake plantation to learn how they’re changing the coffee landscape.
A new approach to finance and community involvement
Until now, crowdfunding has rarely been associated with agriculture, having generally been used for pre-financing in real estate, energy, and start-up sectors. However, funding projects in partnership with the community poses an interesting proposition for farmers. Kornelia and Lutz Engler from Brandenburg are seeking to finance a cider plant with their first crowdfunding campaign.
Ideas For Healthy Bees
Bees are important for the environment and for crop production. However, agriculture is often blamed for a decline in bee numbers. But there are several initiatives in the agricultural sector to counteract the death of bees. We took a closer look at some of them.
The grain that returned to the sea to feed the world
A chef and a team of scientists are the first to have domesticated the plant Zostera marina with the intention of using it for food products because of its high nutritional benefits. The growth of this plant is associated with great subaqueous biodiversity and a decrease in ocean acidification.
“The Mighty Cup Plant”
It supplies biomass, promotes soil fertility and biodiversity and helps with water protection – the perennial cup plant has quite a few aces up its sleeve. According to recent studies, it is an alternative to maize for biogas energy production. Dr Siegfried Schittenhelm from the Julius Kühn Institute tells us what this plant is all about.
The Italian rice farmers on the quest for balance
In Italy, Europe's leading rice producer and exporter, farmers are searching for more stable prices and better crop rotation planning. On top of the challenges from international competition, they face restrictions on pesticide use and an almost total lack of industry contracts.
The vineyard goes north
Swedish vineyards are growing in number and in quality, despite unfavourable climatic and commercial conditions. With warming climes, winegrowers intend to put the Scandinavian country on the map of European vineyards within a few years.
Estate has based its business on hemp
This is life at Moellerup Estate: Hemp in the field and in a variety of foods, and the development of proprietary technology for the use of hemp and other raw materials. The estate was run as an ordinary farm for almost 800 years, until the owners discovered the possibilities of hemp as a crop.
Digitalising the vineyard
Working grapevines on steep slopes is as traditional as it is demanding. Three students are looking to simplify the process, and to save winemakers time and effort with the help of "Bacchus" software.
Island potatoes
In France, on the island of Noirmoutier, the tradition of harvesting early potatoes stretches back over two centuries. We meet with the producers of tubers which have a sophisticated taste and high added-value.
Agave: Tequila turned biofuel
Lick the salt, take a shot, bite the lime. Tequila! This might be a more typical association with the alcoholic derivative of the agave plant, but in the continuing search for alternatives to fossil fuels, one research project has grown it to produce bioethanol.
Sunflowers: Spain is developing new high-quality varieties
Heliotropic sunflowers (which follow the sun’s movements) are resilient to scorching summer weather. And high yielding varieties which are rich in oleic acid are the prime material in healthy and sustainable vegetable oils.
Bringing traditional and modern together
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
Green Revolution in the Desert
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?
A dream team in Provence
Lavender and einkorn wheat are a dream team. This pairing makes the farmers of Provence happy, as well as their customers all over the world.
Growing Deeper Underground
Deep below the suburban streets of London, beneath the feet of hurried commuters, lies something unexpected – a farm, in a converted World War Two air raid bunker.
Herbs from meagre soils
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.
Diversity under threat
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.
Green gold
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.