"Urban Farming is such a good idea" Aigner says. "People are more involved in agriculture again, they see here where their food comes from and how much work and energy is involved." The first project Aigner visited was a community garden with more than 700 hobby horticulturists on the former airfield Tempelhof. "This project is a good example how to use an undeveloped piece of land in town. Where previously aircraft landed are tomatoes, cucumbers and courgettes today," said Aigner.
The second project, which is visited less often is 'Efficient City Farming', a combination between tomato cultivation and the raising of fish on the grounds of the old malt factory in Schöneberg. Sven Würzt of the Leibniz institute for water ecology and inner fishery explains to Aigner what the basic idea is behind the project: the fish supply the fresh manure and the tomatoes stand, of course separated, in their water. The - for plants - harmful metabolism products are changed via a filter installation into the plant foodstuff nitrate.
According to estimates of the Food and Agricultural Organisation FAO the production of agricultural products must increase by 60% during the next 40 years in order to be able to feed the growing world population. "Therefore innovative solutions, especially for food supply in big cities, is important," said Aigner.