Covid-19 1

For the love of Spargel: Why Germany has eased border rules amid the coronavirus pandemic

In the time of Coronavirus, what resource could be so vital to the wellbeing and morale of the German people, that the government would override stringent border measures to secure it? Simple. White asparagus, or ‘Spargel’.

sustainability

Harvesting at home: The Germans who live life in energy-saving mode

The Schimmels have fresh milk every day. They also have homemade cheeses, complemented by vegetables from their own garden. They avoid rubbish, and don’t have a car, even though their local train station is far away. But is this a model for everyone?

Weather

Warm weather ruins ice wine crop

The exceptionally mild winter weather has all but ruined this year’s crop of the German specialty ice wine.

Weather

Weather and mice hit grain harvests

Farmers across Germany are preparing for a difficult year as heavy rain and storms – and an explosion in the mouse population – take their toll on grain harvests.

Farming

Farmers fear for crops as summer heat continues

This summer’s hot and dry weather has German farmers fearing for the health of their harvest, president of the National Union of Farmers (DBV) said on Friday.