“Special recognition”: Cultivation of orchards is an intangible cultural heritage

Hans Hartl has already delivered the first presents. The early Christmas present was long-awaited news from UNESCO. “Orchard cultivation in Austria will be included in the national register of intangible cultural heritage,” the Commission announced a few days ago. For the Innviertler, this is “a special award and recognition for all those who have been striving to preserve the orchards for generations.”

For must and juices

Hartl is chairman of ARGE Streuobst – an association that has been campaigning for the traditional form of fruit growing for more than 20 years. Orchard fruit trees are trees with a high trunk and large crown that, compared to orchards, are often free, i.e. “scattered,” in the landscape. They decorate our meadows, serve as a habitat for animals and, on top of that, they bear tasty fruits; the slightly sour apples and pears are particularly in demand for making cider and juice. In addition, the cultivation of orchards is an environmentally friendly form of fruit cultivation and has been practiced for centuries.

Continued decline

However, it became increasingly less important in the 20th century. While the number of orchard fruit trees in Austria was estimated at around 35 million in the 1930s, today there are only 4.2 million. The decline has slowed since 2000, but it continues, according to ARGE Streuobst. The causes are a lack of appreciation, high workload and low economic profitability. The dwindling knowledge of the farmers is also often a reason why fruit picking and tree care are neglected.

“Make meaning conscious”

“By recognizing it as an intangible cultural heritage, we hope to make an even broader public aware of the diverse importance of orchard cultivation,” says Rainer Silber, deputy chairman of ARGE Streuobst and managing director of the Obst-Hügelland Nature Park. Orchard fruit is grown throughout Upper Austria – from the Mühlviertel to the Salzkammergut, from the Steyr/Kirchdorf area to the Innviertel. One of the “hotspots” is the Hausruckviertel.

In order to preserve the stock, knowledge and traditions surrounding tree pruning, refinement, care and varieties must be passed on, says Rainer Silber. “All over Austria, the cultivation of orchards is kept alive and passed on to this day through the commitment of fruit tree owners, cider factories, direct marketers, initiatives, clubs and associations” – with these words UNESCO honored the newly added intangible cultural heritage.

More “Upper Austrians” added

The list of intangible cultural heritage in Austria contains 163 entries. In addition to the cultivation of orchards, UNESCO has also included the guild customs of the Windischgarstner carpenters, the “Loahmmandel” – nativity figures from the Steyr-Garsten, Enns and Steyrtal region, as well as the brass bands, the production of Montafon traditional costumes and the knowledge of wooden shingle production. Further information about the individual entries can be found at unesco.at.

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