http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:23:39 +0200 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:23:39 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/saffron-farming-cooperative-thrives-in-greece-despite-crisis-a-893527.html#ref=rss As the economic crisis ravages their country, a community of Greek farmers is prospering. Their cooperative specializes in saffron, the world's most expensive spice, which is keeping the community afloat and attracting global attention. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:30:48 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/saffron-farming-cooperative-thrives-in-greece-despite-crisis-a-893527.html As the economic crisis ravages their country, a community of Greek farmers is prospering. Their cooperative specializes in saffron, the world's most expensive spice, which is keeping the community afloat and attracting global attention.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/long-winter-harming-german-economy-a-892983.html#ref=rss Winter's hold on Germany lasted longer than usual this year, taking its toll not just on the moods of residents, but also on a number of economic sectors. Construction, agriculture, service and retail are all suffering, and experts warn the effects could be long-term. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:28:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/long-winter-harming-german-economy-a-892983.html Winter's hold on Germany lasted longer than usual this year, taking its toll not just on the moods of residents, but also on a number of economic sectors. Construction, agriculture, service and retail are all suffering, and experts warn the effects could be long-term. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-farm-tests-shooting-as-alternative-to-slaughterhouses-a-892076.html#ref=rss The experience of dying at a slaughterhouse is "an enormous ordeal" for cattle. A farm in northern Germany is proposing an alternative: shooting the livestock in the places they live. Many believe the method provides a stress-free death for the animals. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:57:25 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-farm-tests-shooting-as-alternative-to-slaughterhouses-a-892076.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-investors-are-buying-up-farmland-in-third-world-a-884306.html#ref=rss Foreign investors are buying or leasing vast amounts of farmland in Third World countries to profit from surging demand for food crops as a result of rapid population growth. "Land grabbing" amounts to a new form of colonialism that often runs counter to the interests of locals. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:36:41 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-investors-are-buying-up-farmland-in-third-world-a-884306.html Foreign investors are buying or leasing vast amounts of farmland in Third World countries to profit from surging demand for food crops as a result of rapid population growth. "Land grabbing" amounts to a new form of colonialism that often runs counter to the interests of locals. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/european-union-debates-environmental-costs-of-agriculture-subsidies-a-881447.html#ref=rss European Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos wants to reform Europe's agricultural policy, but resistance from the farming lobby threatens to derail his plans. It will be to the detriment of citizens, who are expected to pay for a highly subsidized industry that is harmful to the environment. Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:21:48 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/european-union-debates-environmental-costs-of-agriculture-subsidies-a-881447.html European Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos wants to reform Europe's agricultural policy, but resistance from the farming lobby threatens to derail his plans. It will be to the detriment of citizens, who are expected to pay for a highly subsidized industry that is harmful to the environment.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/botanists-hope-to-turn-germany-into-truffel-exporting-nation-a-873438.html#ref=rss Two researchers have discovered large numbers of truffles in southwestern Germany. They would like to see the country join France, Italy and Spain in becoming an exporter of the delicacy, which is highly sought after by gourmets. They say conditions in many parts of the country are prime for cultivating the fungus. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:11:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/botanists-hope-to-turn-germany-into-truffel-exporting-nation-a-873438.html Two researchers have discovered large numbers of truffles in southwestern Germany. They would like to see the country join France, Italy and Spain in becoming an exporter of the delicacy, which is highly sought after by gourmets. They say conditions in many parts of the country are prime for cultivating the fungus.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/christmas-trees-replace-forests-as-crop-of-choice-in-german-state-a-873628.html#ref=rss Environmental campaigners in Germany are up in arms because increasing areas of woodland are being switched to the cultivation of Christmas trees, which is far more lucrative than normal forests. Now a state government wants to limit the trend despite accusations that it is axing a centuries-old tradition. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:20:51 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/christmas-trees-replace-forests-as-crop-of-choice-in-german-state-a-873628.html Environmental campaigners in Germany are up in arms because increasing areas of woodland are being switched to the cultivation of Christmas trees, which is far more lucrative than normal forests. Now a state government wants to limit the trend despite accusations that it is axing a centuries-old tradition. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/biogas-subsidies-in-germany-lead-to-modern-day-land-grab-a-852575.html#ref=rss Creating energy from corn once seemed like a revolutionary idea in Germany. But subsidies for the biogas industry have led to entire regions of the country being covered by the crop, and investors are eagerly waiting for local farmers' land to go for sale. Some of those farmers who lease their land say they have been "ruined." Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:21:42 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/biogas-subsidies-in-germany-lead-to-modern-day-land-grab-a-852575.html Creating energy from corn once seemed like a revolutionary idea in Germany. But subsidies for the biogas industry have led to entire regions of the country being covered by the crop, and investors are eagerly waiting for local farmers' land to go for sale. Some of those farmers who lease their land say they have been "ruined."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/drought-not-the-only-factor-driving-up-agricultural-prices-a-851068.html#ref=rss The severe drought in the US has been blamed the rising prices of agricultural commodities. But that is only part of the story: Biofuels, financial speculation and changing dietary habits are also playing a role. The global food supply faces pressure from all sides. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:36:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/drought-not-the-only-factor-driving-up-agricultural-prices-a-851068.html The severe drought in the US has been blamed the rising prices of agricultural commodities. But that is only part of the story: Biofuels, financial speculation and changing dietary habits are also playing a role. The global food supply faces pressure from all sides. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/corn-for-biofuel-threatens-livelihood-of-shepherds-in-germany-a-848903.html#ref=rss Corn used for biofuel is taking over vast stretches of traditional grazing land in Germany. The change is transforming the landscape, driving shepherds out of business and threatening the dike system crucial for preventing floods. Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:25:11 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/corn-for-biofuel-threatens-livelihood-of-shepherds-in-germany-a-848903.html Corn used for biofuel is taking over vast stretches of traditional grazing land in Germany. The change is transforming the landscape, driving shepherds out of business and threatening the dike system crucial for preventing floods.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/mouse-plague-hits-central-germany-a-843811.html#ref=rss Millions of field mice are overrunning the central German states of Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, much to the concern of local farmers. The rodents are devastating food crops, cutting yields by up to 50 percent. Getting birds of prey to hunt the critters didn't help, and now farmers want to be allowed to use a banned rat poison. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:13:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/mouse-plague-hits-central-germany-a-843811.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/german-veterinarians-are-getting-rich-off-of-the-abuse-of-antibiotics-a-828289.html#ref=rss It's no secret that factory farms use unconscionable amounts of antibiotics when fattening up animals for market. In Germany, however, veterinarians play a crucial role in the abuse. Many are getting rich in the process, but the risks to both human and animals are many. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:58:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/german-veterinarians-are-getting-rich-off-of-the-abuse-of-antibiotics-a-828289.html It's no secret that factory farms use unconscionable amounts of antibiotics when fattening up animals for market. In Germany, however, veterinarians play a crucial role in the abuse. Many are getting rich in the process, but the risks to both human and animals are many.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/resistant-bacteria-antibiotics-prove-powerless-as-super-germs-spread-a-811560.html#ref=rss Antibiotics were once the wonder drug. Now, however, an increasing number of highly resistant -- and deadly -- bacteria are spreading around the world. The killer bugs often originate in factory farms, where animals are treated whether they are sick or not. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:14:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/resistant-bacteria-antibiotics-prove-powerless-as-super-germs-spread-a-811560.html By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/intolerable-stench-confronting-the-threat-of-industrial-pig-farms-a-810139.html#ref=rss Tourists are increasingly discovering the rural charms of northern Germany. But with industrial pig breeding operations moving in, that charm may soon be destroyed by the stench of swine slurry. Locals are up in arms -- but factory farming may be the region's last chance to create jobs. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:48:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/intolerable-stench-confronting-the-threat-of-industrial-pig-farms-a-810139.html Tourists are increasingly discovering the rural charms of northern Germany. But with industrial pig breeding operations moving in, that charm may soon be destroyed by the stench of swine slurry. Locals are up in arms -- but factory farming may be the region's last chance to create jobs.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/pigs-and-protection-money-german-farmers-seek-their-fortunes-in-russia-a-808377.html#ref=rss In the 18th century, Catherine the Great invited German farmers to come to Russia and cultivate the land. Over two centuries later, the country is recruiting Teutonic pioneers once again in a bid to put vast tracts of fallow land to use. The land holds great opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurs -- provided they have strong nerves. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:23:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/pigs-and-protection-money-german-farmers-seek-their-fortunes-in-russia-a-808377.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/urban-agriculture-industrial-sized-rooftop-farm-planned-for-berlin-a-800376.html#ref=rss It is hardly a logical spot for a farm, but three Berliners have earmarked a massive former factory roof for an unusual urban agriculture venture. The sustainable set-up will produce both vegetables and fish for local residents and could be a model for future city farms as the world continues to urbanize.  Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:34:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/urban-agriculture-industrial-sized-rooftop-farm-planned-for-berlin-a-800376.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/every-last-drop-thieves-bag-premium-wine-grapes-overnight-a-787436.html#ref=rss A first-class German winegrower has suffered the devastating loss of his grapes right before harvest time. But the culprit was neither frost nor hungry birds this time. Thieves armed with harvest machines managed to go unnoticed as they plucked several tons of grapes from the vines overnight. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:51:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/every-last-drop-thieves-bag-premium-wine-grapes-overnight-a-787436.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-national-industry-in-trouble-greek-olive-grower-squeezed-dry-by-crisis-a-772260.html#ref=rss The olive is Greece's leading export and is central to the country's national identity. But olive prices are plummeting amid the crisis and farmers are struggling to stay afloat. SPIEGEL ONLINE visited a farmer on the brink. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:30:57 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-national-industry-in-trouble-greek-olive-grower-squeezed-dry-by-crisis-a-772260.html The olive is Greece's leading export and is central to the country's national identity. But olive prices are plummeting amid the crisis and farmers are struggling to stay afloat. SPIEGEL ONLINE visited a farmer on the brink.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/farm-aid-eu-earmarks-millions-for-crops-lost-in-e-coli-crisis-a-768534.html#ref=rss The EU agreed Tuesday to reimburse farmers hit by the ongoing E. coli crisis with some 210 million euros in aid. But it will compensate for only about 50 percent of losses to farmers who suffered immensely after authorities warned consumers off lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and sprouts in their hunt for the outbreak source. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:22:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/farm-aid-eu-earmarks-millions-for-crops-lost-in-e-coli-crisis-a-768534.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-blasted-for-e-coli-crisis-management-eu-wants-germany-to-seek-international-help-a-767339.html#ref=rss Germany faces mounting criticism that its handling of the E. coli crisis has been slow and uncoordinated. The European Union wants the country to seek outside help and calls are growing for a reform of Germany's fragmented disease control system. It is a source of embarrassment for one of the world's most advanced nations. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:26:57 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-blasted-for-e-coli-crisis-management-eu-wants-germany-to-seek-international-help-a-767339.html Germany faces mounting criticism that its handling of the E. coli crisis has been slow and uncoordinated. The European Union wants the country to seek outside help and calls are growing for a reform of Germany's fragmented disease control system. It is a source of embarrassment for one of the world's most advanced nations. ]]>