Fridheimar Farm (situated in Reykholt, Iceland) produces one gallon of organic tomatoes per day. This completely organic and self-sustaining horticulture is an impressive sight and experience.
Owned and run by Knutur Rafn Armann, his wife Helena Hermundardottir and their five children, it uses only renewable energy resources. Geothermal power plants supply natural hot water to heat the greenhouse, as well as electricity for the artificial lighting, needed to grow tomatoes in all seasons.
After ingeniously shipping in a green fly from Denmark - which acts as a natural pesticide, eating insects that are harmful to the tomatoes – they have avoided using harmful chemical pesticides. Breeding their own bees, pollination is sure to occur within their green house.
Now also a farm shop and restaurant, Fridheimar serves popular tomato-based dishes (including tomato tea and ice cream)!
Sebastian Storm (employee) moved to Iceland from Germany because “it is a beautiful and ‘green’ country” and says: it is “a pleasure to be a part of such an eco-friendly establishment”
Over 99% of electricity production and almost 80% of total energy production in Iceland comes from hydropower and geothermal power, reducing heating bills and carbon footprint. This fiercely battles climate change.
How can we learn from this sustainable farm and country? Although the UK is not actively volcanic, there is a significant reserve of geothermal energy. For example, Cornwall has greater geothermal gradients than the UK average, therefore it has high potential for generating geothermal power.
Fridheimar farm is a marvel and example to the UK.
by Megan Bantleman
