DeE8 - East Westphalia – Close relations between businesses and agriculture
Description of the region
Ostwestfalen-Lippe is located in the “upper corner“ of North Rhine-Westphalia on the edge of the North German Plain, bordering the Weser Uplands in the East and the Sauerland in the south. Although its density of population is relatively high in comparison to other regions in Germany, this North Rhine-Westphalian region has still preserved its rural charm created by intensive farming. More than two thirds of the entire surface consist of fields and pastures. Fertile soils allow productive cultivation in many parts of the region. Successful enterprises along the value chain, such as Claas, Tönnies, Dr. Oetker, Syngenta and W. von Borries-Eckendorf highlight the traditionally close partnership between local businesses and agriculture.
Tönnies and the Westphalian processing industry face the market
The boom of the Westphalian processing industry is closely linked to the family company Tönnies from Rheda Wiedenbrück, Gütersloh district, which was founded in 1971. Nowadays, Tönnies is a leader in the German meat industry with an export share of more than 50 %. Despite its global positioning, Tönnies considers the partnership with the local processing industry as a beginning for sustainable development in favour of all parties involved.
Regional instead of global commercialisation – High quality products from “Meierhof“
„High quality products from Meierhof – organically farmed in Lippe!“ The company Meier zu Evenhausen in Leopoldshöhe, Lippe district, uses this slogan to promote its eggs, beef and organic fertilisers. When trying one of its products, visitors will be persuaded immediately by the high quality and freshness. Besides direct marketing, the commercialisation via retailers is an increasingly important business unit.
Claas: Efficient farming technologies and intelligent management solutions
Today, the manufacturer Claas from Harsewinkel, Gütersloh district, is not only associated with innovative tractors, harvesters and harvest technology, but also with more and more management solutions combining engines and offices into one and collecting several process data. In this context, the question arises, how this data stream may be effectively used for consulting.
Guide: Stefan Berens, Agricultural Chamber of North Rhine-Westphalia