How does an island taste? We are about to find out, because AgroTech has started exploring the possibility of growing edible seeds on a Danish island called Agersø. This island provides unique climatic conditions and a distinctive flora. Cooking school Meyers Madhus and nursery Gartneriet Elmegaard Andersen participate in this project.
Challenge
Consumers are increasingly interested in food with unique health and taste properties and a special story. This pilot project explores the possibilities of developing and marketing an innovative island specialty called Agersø Gourmetfrø (Agersø Gourmet Seeds). The seeds will be collected from wild-growing plants from the island of Agersø which are grown under organic and sustainable conditions. These seeds contain essential fatty acids and are rich in protein as well as essential oils and aromatics.
Tasks
The possibilities of sustainable use of the resources in the area should be explored. The edible plant species of the island will be mapped and plant material from 20 selected species will be collected. These species will be propagated to produce material for a development project.
The sales potential will be assessed, which includes an analysis of the sales opportunities for new and exciting seed products. Different distribution channels such as restaurants, gourmet shops, bakeries and health food shops will also be analysed. The Meyer Group will perform the analyses and Meyers Madhus will make suggestions as to how the products can be used.
Development perspectives
Agersø Gourmet Seeds will meet the expectations of all consumers. The seeds taste good, they are healthy, grown under sustainable conditions and they have a good story to tell about their origin. Such a product is a genuine innovation and will boost the innovative power and competitiveness of the horticultural industry. Moreover, the local identity of the product will increase the knowledge of this remote area of Denmark. In the long term, the market for Agersø seeds as ingredient in the Nordic Cuisine will contribute to making the Nordic Cuisine famous worldwide.
Facts about the project
Agersø is a Danish island in the Great Belt about 15 minutes ferry ride from Stignæs on the southwest coast of Sealand. The island covers an area of 6.84 km2 – 7 km from north to south and 3 km from east to south. The island is surrounded by the deep, cold water of the Great Belt and the breeze is cool and salty. Pests and plant diseases do not thrive under these conditions and hence the island is ideal for organic production.
Moreover, the reflection from the ocean provides a high light intensity on the island, and the island enjoys more sun than the rest of the country.
Cooking school Meyers Madhus has been the centre of a unique gastronomic universe in Denmark since 1999.
The famous Danish cook Claus Meyer saw the need for a place where food enthusiasts can meet with good cooks and fiery souls and share the joy of preparing and enjoying good food.
So far, 40,000 people have visited the cooking school.
The nursery Gartneriet Elmegaard Andersen is run by the third generation of the family. The nursery has specialised in breeding and seed production of perennials, vegetables and flowers.
The nursery is located on the island of Agersø which is suitable for seed production.
