Sustainable fruit growing: insight into the strawberry country Funck near Eisenberg

Sustainable fruit growing: insight into the strawberry country Funck near Eisenberg

In the idyllic landscape around Eisenberg, the innovative strawberry cultivation in the strawberry country Funck blooms, where sustainability and quality go hand in hand. The impressive white tunnel tents that decorate the fields are not only an eye -catcher, but also an important measure to improve the extension of strawberries and other fruits. Under the direction of Alexander Seiler and Rebecca Funck, who have been running the company for almost eight years, ecological cultivation is very important.

The use of this tunnel tents is not chosen by chance. Seiler explains: "From 2012 to 2019 we recognized that this type of protected extension provides almost 98 percent class 1 fruits." This means that the fruits are not only more attractive, but also a clear advantage with regard to the harvest yields. In fact, almost three times as many marketable strawberries end up in the baskets compared to conventional free matters.

functions and advantages of the tunnel cultivation

Tunnel cultivation brings with it a number of advantages, especially with regard to plant health. Seiler emphasizes: "Due to the tunnel, we need almost no conventional pesticides." This is because pests and diseases such as gray mushrooms hardly thrive in this protected environment. In addition, nebel nozzles control controlled moisture and help to prevent the formation of mildew. The goal of the company is clear: to reduce the use of chemical pesticides to a minimum.

In order to prevent a variety of pests, a specialist company from Hamburg is regularly used, which examines the plants and provides benefits to combat pests efficiently. Seiler also explains the challenge with the cherry vinegar fly, for which there is unfortunately no approved benefit in Germany. "We protect the blackberries with special networks from this fly," he says about the measures.

Another focus of the company is on the targeted nutrient supply. Regular analyzes of the root balls ensure that the plants get exactly what they need. The use of coal in fertilization to strengthen the plants is also on the agenda, and the company is already thinking about the use of Miscanthus as a sustainable substrate.

water resources in focus

Sustainable irrigation is a central concern in the strawberry country Funck. Seiler welcomes the future change: "We will collect rainwater in the future, and a pond on the RASSERBACH system will be set up." This strategy ensures that enough water from the Eisbach is also available in winter. With the help of solar sensors, precise irrigation via drip systems is guaranteed, which ensures that no drop of water is wasted. "Every milliliter counts," emphasizes Seiler.

The company has also put the craft harvest in the center. The best quality is produced here, with smaller fruits require more manual work and thus cause higher wage costs. Shadowy networks are used to maintain the plants to protect them from excessive heat and to optimally design the harvest period. The foils used for the tunnel are designed for a lifespan of eight to ten years before they are recycled.

In the company's overall structure, over 300 hectares are managed, on which grain, rapeseed, peas and sugar beets are also grown. The promotion of biodiversity plays a crucial role in the corporate concept. There are flower strips on 25 hectares that attract insects. The strawberry country Funck combines the principles of ecology and economy in an impressive way in agriculture.