Traditional orchards shrink by up to 20 percent in Burgenland

Traditional orchards in Burgenland have declined by about 10 to 20 percent since 2014, according to a survey reported by ORF. The Wieseninitiative association has completed a mapping of the orchards as part of a cross-border EU project, although analysis of the results is still under way.

The association also found too few new trees had been planted and that about half of the surveyed areas had low to severe mistletoe infestation, said Jan Oestmann, the project coordinator.

The cross-border EU project Apfelreich aims to help address the decline. Support includes subsidised bulk orders for municipalities and courses such as fruit-tree pruning. Many orchard owners can no longer carry out the work themselves and may need help from businesses or others, Oestmann said. He added that many orchards are not receiving subsidies even though they may be eligible.

Wieseninitiative also offers to handle subsidy applications for orchard owners by leasing their land.

The association’s annual Apfelkulinarium is taking place in Burgauberg, in Güssing district, over the next two weeks. The event includes an exhibition of old apple varieties, talks and school activities highlighting the importance of traditional orchards as habitats.