Not far from the Arctic Circle, Iceland has a harsh climate. Nonetheless, almost every type of vegetable now grows here. How is the country becoming a vegetable paradise? The answer is found underground: Iceland uses volcanic energy to heat greenhouses.
Tómas Ponzi grows tomatoes that are every bit as good as those from Italy. Outside, the temperature is just 12 degrees Celsius, but inside his greenhouse it is a pleasant 20 degrees — ideal conditions for this nightshade plant. The software developer now grows over 30 different varieties, and supplies top restaurants in Reykjavik.
The secret to his success lies buried deep in the earth. Here in Iceland, volcanoes and geysers bring heat from the earth's interior to the surface. Icelanders use this geothermal energy to heat their homes and, increasingly, greenhouses.
This means they can produce more of their own food. Today, almost 70% of the tomatoes eaten in Iceland are also grown there. For cucumbers, the figure is almost 100 percent. This reduces the country's dependence on vegetable imports from mainland Europe.
Read more at DW In Focus
