The Luxembourg government is advancing a new agriculture law to enable larger greenhouse operations and enhance financial backing for vegetable cultivation. This legislative move is aimed at bolstering the vegetable farming sector in Luxembourg.
Insights from two local farms reveal diverse perspectives on the new law. The Kirsch family farm, located in the northern area of Luxembourg City, cultivates a variety of vegetables and fresh herbs across two hectares and 3,000m² of greenhouse space. Niki Kirsch highlights historical regulations, noting, "only a maximum of 250m² was allowed ten years ago," which hindered greenhouse viability. He emphasizes that a minimum of 3,000m² is necessary for sustainable infrastructure, including irrigation, ventilation, and heating systems, all managed by a climate computer linked to a weather station.
With rising tap water costs, the Kirsch family is adopting alternative irrigation methods, primarily using rainwater collected from sealed surfaces. Claude Kirsch mentions a loop system for cleaning vegetables, stating, "return to nature" without needing a water treatment plant.
Marie Goergen, operating an organic market garden in Contern, cultivates 60 vegetable varieties on three hectares, with 0.8 hectares under greenhouses. She supports the new law but advocates for balanced financial aid, suggesting that both greenhouse and traditional land farming should receive support. Goergen identifies high production costs, climate uncertainties, and customer base stability as primary challenges while noting that improved support for small farms could substantially boost crop yields.
Source: RTL Today