In order for farmers to relate to Andermatt biological farming solutions, we had to make the trial relevant to each farmer so they could see and believe the practical impact of the various Andermatt treatments on their crop.

We focused on key crops in Kenya, which cover the majority of farmers in the country. The demo was split into two primary sectors in terms of farming communities and area and production, namely Small Scale and Cereal Crops.

Thereafter, we identified the most common crops in each sector for use in our demo. For Small Scale farmers, we included french beans, tomatoes, potatoes, kale and sunflowers – while for cereal farmers we included crops such as wheat, millet, chia, sorghum and maize.

The demo area was then split into respective areas for small scale crops and large scale cereals. Planting and cultivation was carried out before the rains, with progress being recorded weekly – including detailed reporting on treatments and their impact on microbial seed and root treatments, all the way through to biostimulants and their impact on plant growth, as well as any necessary biocides to contain pests and diseases.

By taking video evidence of their growth on a weekly basis, we were able to tell a truly interactive story of their growth from seed to harvest – showcasing how each crop responded to each treatment and providing farmers with a benchmark for the impact of a natural approach to farming.

The results were clear on film, providing farmers with the evidence they need to commit to a change in approach, for healthier crops and better yields.

Ultimately, this trial’s benefit will be in making a difference in the lives of farmers, improving the quality of food for consumers, and contributing to food security across our great continent. We are making a difference, one seed at a time!

Hamish Ker
Commercial Manager: Kenya and Eastern Africa