NEW REPORT PUBLISHED: How should agriculture in Germany really be structured in the future? (Food from the Field)

05/11/2025 >> Visit External Site

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Nuffield International is proud to announce the publication of the latest Nuffield Farming Scholarship report by Meinke Ostermann (Germany, 2023), titled:

"Food from the Field: How should agriculture in Germany really be structured in the future?"

In this report, Ostermann explores how German and global arable farming systems can evolve to remain sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced. Drawing on extensive international research and travel across 13 countries, he examines innovations and challenges in mechanical soil cultivation, weed control, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

"Agriculture must be globally connected, resource-smart, and technology-driven,"

says Ostermann, highlighting the need for collaboration across borders, industries, and education systems.

His study includes insights from visits to Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, the USA, Brazil, and Kazakhstan, where he investigated contrasting production systems--from high-tech precision agriculture to regions where access to training and innovation remains limited.

Ostermann's key recommendations include:

Combining mechanical, biological, and chemical methods for sustainable weed management

Leveraging robotics and AI to improve precision and resource efficiency

Strengthening education and knowledge exchange between countries

Establishing clear policy frameworks to support innovation and implementation

This report provides a valuable perspective on how Germany's agricultural future can balance technological progress with environmental responsibility--a conversation relevant not only for Europe, but for farming systems worldwide.

" Read the full report at nuffieldscholar.org/reports