As a result of drastically changing climate in Norway in recent years, Norwegian farmers have started to cultivate apricot, sea berry, edamam beans and sweet potatoes
Farmers demand NOK 150 million (€15 mln) from the state in order to adapt to the new climate conditions in the country and develop new varieties and produce more for the Norwegian market. New investments, research, new technology and new varieties and products will enable them to produce more. Although Norwegians eat more and more fruits, berries, potatoes and vegetables, less than 50% of the vegetables and only 6% of fruits and berries are produced domestically.
One of the new exotic products the farmers grow is apricot, which grow in warmer south European countries such as Spain and Turkey. The fruit farmers in Lærdal test out a number of different apricot varieties to see which ones work best in the Norwegian climate. Another tested product is edamam beans.
“There are several types of lettuce, cabbage, lentils, beans and peas, especially from Asian countries. Several of these can be grown in Norway, says research and development manager at Gartnerhallen, Ellen-Margrethe Hovland.
Source: tnp.no
