As pearl barley is not a large commodity yet, there is also not so much information available on where conventional pearl barley comes from. And as other stores, both online and in the supermarket, do not share anything transparently, we do not have much to compare our Dutch grown barley with. But in case you are ordering from northwestern Europe, it is likely that our pearl barley is still one of the closest you will find. Though if you do find something closer to home, you know what to do! ;)
This barley was grown in a strip-cropping field as well as on small grain fields. By growing crops in strips we increase biodiversity, reduce pest and disease pressure and we ensure a better habitat for insects and wildlife.
As the Dutch landscape is mainly made up of grass and corn for animal feed, or intensive crops for export, such as potatoes, onions and flower bulbs. Grain, seed and pulse crops have almost completely disappeared from our fields.
Grain and seed crops are really good for the soil structure and it brings carbon into the soil. As it is almost impossible for the soil to only grow intensive crops, Dutch farmers sometimes grow a little bit grain. Though, farmers will not make a financial profit from grain cultivation, as the land prices are too high. Most of this grain goes to chicken and pig feed production, whilst grain for human consumption is still being imported.
Making grain attractive again for Dutch cultivation is a challenge, as prices in the supermarket would go up. But as agricultural soils are dangerously poor, grain crops would be very welcome. Ekoto takes on the challenge with farmers to grow grain locally again. By joining us, you have a vote in the Dutch landscape! Do we want monoculture, poor soils and artificial chemicals or do we want biodiverse fields, capturing carbon and all of that without artificial inputs?
