Farmers are becoming more independent

Farmers in Germany do not only earn their money with keeping livestock and cultivation; new methods of generating additional income are being found.

Which paths does the modern farmer have to go to find new sources of income? The options are wide-ranging and some have been already known for a few years: a own butchery, renting out rooms or an own little farm shop. Continuous growth can especially be noted in larger projects. Modern biogas plants and solar panels on the roofs of stables sometimes generate up to 40 per cent of the annual revenue of some agricultural enterprises.

The Statistics Office of Schwerin indicates that in 2003 only 19 agricultural businesses earned money with renewable energy. In the meantime, this number has become tenfold. That’s not very surprising, thanks to the new Renewable Energy Law which has given a massive boost to this development.

Spurred by these developments, Thuringian farmers earn 260 million euro from these additional business ventures – as much as from the cultivation and sales of grain. One may ask if it is necessary for farmers to have such a second income pillar. Fact is, additional work in fish-farming or investments in solar plants result in more independence from meager yields and falling prices in the core business.

Another small tip for those who would like to produce and sell: don’t limit your products to the regional markets. Thanks to the Internet, the world is at your fingertips. Open your own online shop free of charge – gruuna is ready to support you in your venture.