Experimental field - cultivation of old crops
- Theodor Wimmer
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Traditional crops such as flax, cabbage, and beets were cultivated in the region for a long time and were necessary for the establishment of the region. Plants grown from these seeds are characterized by high resilience and can therefore better cope with changing weather conditions (late frost, drought, wetness). Cultivating these plants also helps establish a circular economy and strengthens the stability of agricultural businesses. As a first step in the project, seeds of traditional crops were collected from farms in the region. Most of the seeds were lost or no longer viable. In cooperation with Noah's Ark, a 500m² experimental garden was established at the Ötscher base in Wienerbruck to preserve and propagate traditional crops. The goal was to re-propagate traditional varieties well-adapted to harsh, high altitudes, or, as a final step, to cultivate them on a large scale. The experimental garden grows up to 13 different varieties of various plants (including grains, beets, potatoes, flax, beans, pumpkin, and corn). The successfully propagated varieties are made available to the interested public. Collaborations also exist with farms in the region that cultivate the heritage varieties on a large scale. The region and the project are a living example of how sustainable agriculture and innovative adaptation strategies can go hand in hand to meet the challenges of climate change. Annual field reports are prepared and made available to the interested public.
Key facts about the project:
Location | Ötscher Base Wienerbruck |
Measure type / project category | Research cooperation |
funding program | KLAR! |
Sectoral objectives of the Alpine Convention | Research & Development |
partner | Arche Noah, local farmers |
Project period | existing since 2021 |
Your direct contact:
Heribert Pfeffer hp@naturpark-oetscher.at
