How can organic niche crops such as buckwheat, amaranth, millet, flax or nuts be cultivated, processed, and marketed more successfully in Brandenburg? This question was at the heart of the Market Information Talk on Organic Niche Crops, held on 29 October 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection (MLUK, now MLEUV).

The event was part of the implementation of the Brandenburg Action Plan for Organic Agriculture (Ökoaktionsplan Brandenburg), which aims to strengthen regional value chains, increase the availability of regional organic products, and expand organically farmed land in the region.

Around 20 participants from farming, processing, consultancy, and trade came together to exchange experiences, identify success factors for cultivation and marketing, and jointly discuss entry points for the future development of organic niche crops in Brandenburg.

Practical Insights from the Field

The morning session offered valuable hands-on insights along the entire value chain. Speakers included:

• Liane Regner (Marktgesellschaft der Naturland Bauern AG)
• Lucas Lütke Schwienhorst (Gut Ogrosen)
• Johann Gerdes (Beerfelder Hof)
• Robert Künne (Lerchenbergmühle)
• Vivian Böllersen (Walnussmeisterei Böllersen)
• Elke Röder (Terra Naturkost)

Their presentations covered a broad spectrum of topics, including:

• variety selection, marketing risks, and processing bottlenecks (e.g., for buckwheat, amaranth, millet, walnuts),
• cooperation models and on-farm risk diversification,
• quality standards, delivery capabilities, and product preparation suitable for organic retail markets.

Workshops in the Afternoon

The afternoon was dedicated to in-depth workshops:

• Fresh ideas for marketing buckwheat, amaranth, flax, millet & co.
  Liane Regner (Marktgesellschaft der Naturland Bauern AG) presented successful examples from practice.
• Special requirements for regional marketing of organic niche crops
  Elke Röder (Terra Naturkost) shared prerequisites for collaboration with retailers.

Joining Forces for More Organic Niche Crops – Key Takeaways

Cooperation as a foundation for supply capability
Cooperatives, producer groups, and partnerships enable bundled, reliable quantities with consistent quality – a prerequisite for successful marketing.

Access through taste and everyday usability
Products must taste good and be easy to use. Recipe ideas, usage tips, and new product formats (e.g., roasted buckwheat) help reduce barriers.

Strengthening marketing and visibility
Visibility is key. Targeted marketing, education, and personal stories create authenticity and demand. Suitable packaging supports this effort.

Value chain developers as key players
People who coordinate, network, and facilitate processes make new value chains marketable. The example of the Marktgesellschaft der Naturland Bauern AG demonstrates the importance of this role for market access.

Frameworks and structure-building
Functioning regional processing infrastructure, political support, digital platforms, and long-term purchase agreements provide stability and enable farms to economically establish new crops. Millet, walnuts, and possibly buckwheat are considered promising – if processing and marketing are ensured. Many farms already bring experience and a willingness to experiment. Now, appropriate structures and greater visibility are needed to unlock this potential.