Norbert Benker's tomato farm was founded 70 years ago by his father, Wilhelm Benker, and rebuilt at its current location in 1985. In the past, radishes and cucumbers were cultivated here. Norbert's 24-year-old son Stefan is currently doing his master's degree in vegetable gardening and has already been working on the farm for 3 years. His 22-year-old brother Niklas is completing a dual full-time course of study with a focus on horticulture. At Gartenbauzentrale eG, the Benker farm is one of the tomato pioneers and one of four tomato farms in the Papenburg cooperative.
Stefan, Norbert, and Niklas Benker (from left to right) are two generations of gardeners who invest their passion and knowledge in growing tomatoes.
From early April to mid-November, the ripe vine tomatoes, mini vine tomatoes, and cherry vine tomatoes can be harvested. Unlike cucumber growing, there is only one crop for tomatoes and no crop rotation during harvest time. Norbert's sons will continue the tomato business together in a few years, so the succession in the Benker family business is already in good hands.
The Benker family's tomatoes are marketed through Gartenbauzentrale Papenburg eG.
For more information: www.gartenbauzentrale.de