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A First-of-its-Kind Discovery in Norway. New Prospects for Agriculture
Cultivation in Norway could reduce the import of this fruit. Fot. stock.adobe.com/licencja standardowa
Norwegian scientists have made a breakthrough in domestic agriculture. For the first time, avocados have been successfully grown in Norway. The experiment was conducted at the NIBIO Særheim center, where a researcher managed to produce fruit with good texture and taste. This achievement could pave the way for reducing the import of this popular tropical plant in the future.
Carolina Falcato Fialho Palma, an enthusiast of exotic fruits, decided to check whether avocados could be cultivated in the Norwegian climate. As part of a pilot project at NIBIO Særheim, avocado trees were planted in a three-meter-high greenhouse, even though the plants themselves can grow up to six meters tall.
The researcher had to find ways to properly prune the trees, pollinate the flowers, and maintain optimal thermal conditions. Although the team did not expect a harvest, after some time they managed to collect the first two Norwegian avocados.
The researcher had to find ways to properly prune the trees, pollinate the flowers, and maintain optimal thermal conditions. Although the team did not expect a harvest, after some time they managed to collect the first two Norwegian avocados.
Norwegian Avocados with Good Taste and Texture
After a week of ripening, the fruits were cut open and evaluated by the research team. Twenty-six NIBIO institute employees participated in the tasting, giving high marks to both the taste and texture of the fruit. Palma emphasizes that the project's success offers hope for further development of exotic plant cultivation in Norway.
Currently, scientists are analyzing whether avocado production in greenhouses can be profitable on a larger scale. The research includes the plants' energy and light requirements, as well as the amount of manual labor needed to maintain production.
Currently, scientists are analyzing whether avocado production in greenhouses can be profitable on a larger scale. The research includes the plants' energy and light requirements, as well as the amount of manual labor needed to maintain production.
The avocado grown in Norway had good texture and taste.Photo: NIBIO
Industrial Heat as the Key to Future Cultivation
One of the main challenges for Norwegian avocado production is providing adequate greenhouse heating. At Særheim, the greenhouses are currently heated with electrically heated water, but the researcher is considering using residual heat from industry and data centers.
Such a solution could lower energy costs and extend the growing season. Palma is already conducting further experiments with other exotic plants—she has started trials with passion fruit, believing that after the success with avocados, more tropical fruits can be grown in Norwegian conditions.
Such a solution could lower energy costs and extend the growing season. Palma is already conducting further experiments with other exotic plants—she has started trials with passion fruit, believing that after the success with avocados, more tropical fruits can be grown in Norwegian conditions.
Norwegians eat an average of 2.6 kg of avocados per year.Photo: NIBIO
New Prospects for Norwegian Agriculture
The experiment conducted at NIBIO Særheim opens up new opportunities for domestic fruit and vegetable production. Growing exotic species in Norwegian greenhouses could help reduce imports and increase the country's self-sufficiency in food.
Research shows that with modern technologies and the use of renewable energy, it is possible to develop agriculture even in a cold climate. This is just the beginning, but Norwegian avocados could become a symbol of a new direction in the country's bioeconomy.
Research shows that with modern technologies and the use of renewable energy, it is possible to develop agriculture even in a cold climate. This is just the beginning, but Norwegian avocados could become a symbol of a new direction in the country's bioeconomy.
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