Alternative and ancient grains
(Rheinische Cerealien Connection)

In the field of renewable resources, alternative crops are species that are not found in a typical crop rotation or have played a subordinate role in Germany to date. This includes for example lupine, einkorn, emmer and spelt as well as several pseudo-cerials.

Integrating such species into the crop rotation brings benefits like increased biodiversity, distribution of work peaks, lowering the economic risk due to extreme weather events or reducing fertilizer and plant protection. However, every new crop brings new risks as farmers cannot rely on experieinces and marketing pathways are soon unclear. That is why we are testing several species in the field and also the machinery that is required for proper management of the cultivars. Goals are also to do quality analyses and support the establishment of new distribution channels to provide solutions and a network for local farmers.