Spirit of research

The CLAAS Foundation was established in 1999 under the patronage of my father Helmut Claas. It is the first foundation in East Westphalia-Lippe to focus on promoting young talents in the field of agricultural engineering. The foundation contributes to education and knowledge in agriculture. Through various initiatives, the possibilities and perspectives of modern agricultural technology are to be made tangible – especially for the young generation, but also for the public. This was a matter close to my father’s heart. After his passing away, I would like to continue the family tradition and support young people who are interested in agriculture and agricultural technology, encourage them and give them space for their ideas.

The CLAAS Foundation was established in 1999 under the patronage of Helmut Claas. It is the first foundation in East Westphalia-Lippe to focus on promoting young talents in the field of agricultural engineering. The foundation aims to contribute to education and knowledge in agriculture. Through various initiatives, the possibilities and perspectives of modern agricultural technology are to be made tangible – especially for the young generation, but also for the general public. This was a matter close to Helmut Claas’ heart.

Every other day, the world population grows by the size of a capital city, such as Frankfurt, and requires increasing amounts of nutritional food supplies. Farming land, however, is only finitely available and cannot arbitrarily be increased.

This is where modern agricultural engineering comes in, as it can increase quality, as well as quantity in food production.

Furthermore, agriculture also plays an increasingly significant role in energy supply. In times when fossil fuels are running short, biomass turns into one of the most successful renewable energy sources of our future.

To accomplish tomorrow’s challenges by means of highly efficient technology, we need brilliant ideas and the spirit of research.

Food is the basis of life. Agriculture must improve its efficiency to feed the world population in future. Thanks to considerable yield increases by breeding and cultivation techniques, today the average yield per hectare of wheat is four times higher than 100 years ago.

Nevertheless, the population is going to dynamically grow.  Around 8 billion people live on our planet. In 2040 this number will increase to 9 billion. Simultaneously, farming land will become less. Therefore, agricultural engineering is the most vital industry in the world.