Josef doesn't believe there is a single answer to this question. Instead, he sees many building blocks that together form a whole: he plants hedges, builds stone mounds, places shrubs in front of most rows of apple trees and sows seeds in the tramlines. This creates homes for helpful organisms, increases biodiversity and promotes the stability of the ecosystem. In order to promote sustainable diversity, he mulches the tramlines only once a year, just before the harvest. This increases the number of flora species and allows herbs to grow. And this attracts wild animals.
His farm is located not far from the village of St. Michael/Eppan in a picturesque spot surrounded by orchards and mediaeval castles. Josef runs holiday apartments with his wife Ulrike and invites guests to enjoy a holiday on the farm. They see themselves not only as hosts, but also as companions and narrators: giving their guests an insight into organic farming and the South Tyrolean way of life.
Guests on his farm tours find him to be both a good listener and a good talker. But his commitment doesn't end where his land stops. As an elected board member of the Biosüdtirol organic farming cooperative and spokesman for the Bioland Südtirol association for organic agriculture, he offers just as many ideas and just as much energy as he always has.
