Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is characterised by unique natural landscapes. Agricultural products made in the state are distinguished by natural quality: made with care by a modern agricultural sector that is nevertheless rich in tradition.
Prolupin GmbH
Prolupin GmbH was founded in 2010 as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Technology and Packaging. At its site in Grimmen, the company has specialised in extracting protein from sweet lupins and making it useful for the production of food in the form of the unique lupin protein isolate (LPI). This is a patented process based on 25 years of research. An example for the potential of lupins includes the company’s own products, which are free from lactose, gluten and soy. Lupins are undemanding and grown predominantly in light sandy soil prone to dryness.
INOVA Protein
INOVA Protein aims to contribute to the future of food supply with protein produced from mealworms. (Image: INOVA Protein GmbH)
INOVA Protein is addressing increased resource consumption and the growing global population with an idea for the future of nutrition. The Rostock-based start-up produces healthy and resource-efficient raw materials based on mealworms. From high-protein flour and insect oil to chitin for industrial applications – the resource consumption of its natural alternatives is far lower compared to conventional products.
The idea came from Raijana Schiemann, Christian Baudisch and Ahmed Hussein during a research project at the University of Rostock. Development was accelerated by a start-up grant. Three years later, the three alumni have completed the first financing round and moved into a production hall encompassing around 800 square metres.
Anklam Extrakt GmbH
Plants with curative properties: passion flowers are part of the portfolio of Anklam Extrakt GmbH. (Image: shutterstock)
Nature provides a range of resources that are used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. High-quality plant extracts can contribute towards curing and treating diseases. It is exactly these kinds of plant extracts that Anklam Extrakt GmbH produces.
The company based in Anklam pays attention to high-quality goods and sustainable availability.
The standard portfolio includes around 25 plants such as artichokes, ribwort, purple coneflower and ivy. Anklam Extrakt GmbH is also involved in research with its proprietary research and development department.
Aquaponics at the University of Rostock
The controlled breeding and rearing of aquatic organisms such as fish, mussels, crabs and algae is known as aquaculture. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern supports this industry to develop a competitive and sustainable business sector in the state. The state is thereby responding to growing demand for fresh fish and counteracting overfishing in the seas. Due
to issues associated with global supply chains, there is also the intention to increase production in the state. This will enable compliance with the strict local environmental standards and reduce carbon emissions caused by fish imports from distant countries. In addition, modern employment opportunities will be created, supporting the regional economy. The combination of aquaculture with other economic sectors, such as agriculture and urban agricultural production, also offers attractive potential for synergy effects.
Great potential for sustainable food production free from harmful substances: aquaponics. (Image: Universität Rostock, ITMZ)
The Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Rostock. (Image: Universität Rostock)
The research field of aquaponics at the University of Rostock examines the synergies from combined fish breeding and plant cultivation (hydroponics).
Aquaponics combines these activities through a shared water cycle. The nutrient-rich process water from aquaculture is used in soil-less hydroponics for plant products; once cleaned, the water is then returned to the fish, saving both nutrients and water throughout the process. A shared heating system also improves energy efficiency.
Aquaponics is therefore considered to be a highly innovative agricultural production method, which can also be located in urban areas and thus in the direct vicinity of consumers.The University of Rostock is conducting research in this area with state-of-the-art facilities, and recognizes the great potential of aquaponics for sustainable food production.
Bolzer Agrarprodukte
Agriculture is an important sector in Mecklenburg- Vorpommern. The land used for agriculture in the state spans approximately 1.34 million hectares and is managed by about 4,700 farms with over 25,000 employees, including Jennifer Löbel from Bolzer Agrarprodukte in Mustin. Her farm raises organic beef cattle. Besides stock bulls, the farm has 50 Uckermärker mother cows, which enjoy the best conditions for appropriate livestock farming thanks to the expansive pastures in Mecklenburg- Vorpommern.
Farmer Löbel, part of the young generation in agriculture, launched the initiative “Generation F1” together with like-minded colleagues within the farmers’ association. It is meant to serve as a platform for young farmers to exchange ideas and experiences, learn and provide mutual support. This example shows that Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has the ideal conditions to reconcile traditional agriculture with current challenges.
Farmer Löbel-Lewke from Mustin stands for the young generation in agriculture.
(Image: STUDIO 301/Andreas Duerst)
Vineyard at Rattey Castle.
(Image: STUDIO 301/Andreas Duerst)
Rattey Castle
In recent years, Rattey Castle has developed into the largest and most modern winery in northern Germany. 15 different grape varieties grow on around 30 hectares, from Solaris, Souvignier Gris, Johanniter and Riesling to the Red Regent, Cabernet Cortis, Rondo and Monarch. Together with Castle Stargard, Rattey Castle forms the northernmost German country wine region „Stargarder Land“. The Mecklenburg country wines from Rattey have already won more than 30 medals at international competitions. The 2021 Solaris Dry was voted the best wine in northern Germany by Falstaff Magazine with 92+ points.