Planting campaign

How Vorarlberg gets 1500 new fruit trees

A tree planting campaign by the state of Vorarlberg has exceeded the expectations of those responsible: The fruit trees, which were subsidized with 30 percent of the purchase price, have been a big hit with the population, which is why the order had to be increased to 1500 trees.

1000 new fruit trees for Vorarlberg's gardens and orchards - that was the goal of the state-wide tree planting campaign, in which numerous players took part. Not only the Vorarlberg Chamber of Agriculture and the Tree Warden Association were on board, but also the fruit and horticultural associations (OGV), the small distillers (VAKÖ) and the cider sommeliers - and the commitment paid off. The state subsidized the trees with 30 percent of the purchase price in each case. 

A total of 429 people ordered almost 1500 fruit trees. As with the last such campaign in 2017, the target number was once again significantly exceeded. The growing interest among the population in growing their own food or buying locally grown produce is encouraging, explained Provincial Councillor Christian Gantner (ÖVP), who joined forces with Chamber of Agriculture President Josef Moosbrugger on Wednesday and grabbed a shovel to plant some trees. 

Provincial Councillor Gantner and Chamber President Moosgrugger grabbed the shovel themselves.(Bild: Land Vorarlberg)

The Chamber of Agriculture selected a list of fruit varieties for the campaign, many of which are not commonplace, explained Moosbrugger. The aim was to offer varieties that suit the Vorarlberg climate and are as robust as possible, especially against diseases and pests. "Overall, a mixture of good old and great new varieties was created," said the Chamber President. Mainly apple trees were on offer. On the one hand because of the shortage of apples in Vorarlberg's cider producers, and on the other because of the apple trees' greater resistance to fire blight. However, special pear varieties, walnuts and plums were also available. 

CO2 storage and habitat
Ganter explained the reasons for the campaign: "Fruit trees have a variety of functions. They shape the landscape, are home to a variety of creatures, cool and bind CO2. And, of course, they provide the raw material for healthy food and traditional Vorarlberg ciders, juices and brandies," he said. Because far more trees were ultimately ordered than expected, some of the plants can only be delivered in the fall.

Learning how to care for trees
If you not only want to plant trees, but also look after them properly, you can get good information: The Verband Obst- und Gartenkultur offers regular pruning courses through its local associations(www.ogv.at/schnittkurse). Every two years, the tree warden association runs the nationally recognized tree warden course with the Rural Training Institute (LFI), which has been fully booked for years with a good 40 participants each time.