Neufahrn: Orchard project starts – organic apples for everyone!

Neufahrn: Orchard project starts – organic apples for everyone!

An exciting initiative is gaining momentum in the eco-model region of Landshut. The project for Orchard certification not only wants to promote organic farming, but also strengthen the connection between farmers, communities and schools. In Neufahrn they are ready to convert previously uncertified orchards to the organic standard. This paves the way for collective certification, which enables citizens to create new orchards and have them certified.

A special highlight of the project is that the certified apples are sold in the region and even processed nearby. This is how local markets and institutions benefit; The freshly squeezed apple juice particularly benefits schools. The project started recently at the Neufahrn elementary school, where the children were able to enjoy regional organic apple juice. Mayor Peter Forstner and Eco Model Region Manager Veronika Stanglmayr were there to support this pioneering project.

Promoting biodiversity and economic viability

As the Eco-model region Franconian Switzerland reports, organic fruit cultivation can not only offer sustainable prospects, but also contributes to biodiversity. There are numerous orchards in the region, which enable added value through higher revenues through simple organic certification. It is important that farmers do not have to pay a cent out of their own pocket for collection certification - the costs are covered by the fruit wholesale market.

In order to fully exploit the benefits of organic farming, it is important that candidates adhere to the organic standard. These include, for example, the avoidance of chemical pesticides and mineral fertilizers. Anyone who adds up their orchard areas can even benefit from greater profitability. Switching to organic farming is known to bring better returns compared to conventional methods, and Organic certification represents a clear advantage here.

What's next?

The initiative encourages the active participation of all interested citizens, municipalities and associations who want to work for environmentally conscious and health-promoting agriculture. A quick contact with Veronika Stanglmayr could be the first step to ordering fruit trees. There is also information about switching to organic farming, which is available from local advice centers.

The current developments in Neufahrn show that “there is something going on” in many places. It's not just about harvesting fruit, but also about a healthy diet, strengthening the local economy and growing environmental awareness.

If you are looking for more information about the funding offers and organic certification, you will find relevant details on the respective websites of the organic model regions. The project has the potential to sustainably change the landscape of agriculture in the region and raise it to a new, health-conscious level.