Organic apple cultivation without any ifs, ands or buts.

Some say that organic farming is a holistic approach that can keep our nature in balance. We agree, but “organic” is so much more. Organic is an attitude towards life.

Organic apple cultivation is actually not much different from integrated production.

And there is basically only one single difference. Instead of chemical/synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, we only use plant protection solutions based on natural substances and organic fertiliser. Exclusively and without compromising. In harmony with nature.

And that’s it. Of course there are different approaches to organic farming: for example, we differentiate between biodynamic and organic cultivation.
In biodynamic cultivation according to Rudolf Steiner, the soil, animals and humans work together in a natural agricultural cycle. Each activity is checked against the holistic ecosystem and even the influence of the stars is considered. Organic cultivation, on the other hand, relies on sustainable management of the ecosystem and attempts to prevent external influences. Different approaches, but with the same objective: to strengthen nature’s sensitive balance instead of interfering with it. For the next generation. And the one after that.

Organic apple cultivation.

Cultivating apples organically means focussing on the big picture: on the cycle, nature, the environment and the climate. We organic farmers have made it our life’s work to maintain the fertility of the soil for the long term with naturally occurring fertilisers. Compost is the best example. What many people don’t know is that organic farming gives nature a boost, but only with plant protection solutions that are in harmony with nature. We only use nature-identical substances: sulphur or various botanical oils, for example. Natural from the first to the last mouthful.

The keyword is “balance”. Being in harmony with nature ensures that a balanced harvest will also blossom in subsequent years.

To ensure that the trees have the soil nutrients for themselves alone, the weeds are removed from the ground beneath the trees. Organic farmers rely exclusively on substances that occur in nature and only use nature-identical pesticides. This is why they work the ground beneath the trees mechanically. This takes more time and is more expensive – but does not interfere with the natural cycle.

“Biodiversity” is also a good keyword. It supports an ecological balance among plants, insect pests and their natural antagonists. We actively create habitats for the antagonists with piles of stones, hedges, grasses and flowers. And the residents repay us: they regulate pest populations by natural means.

A literally “fundamental” principle applies to the soil: the better its quality and characteristics, the better the trees and in turn, the apples will flourish. This is why we support soil life. In terms of fertiliser, we only use organic fertiliser of botanical and animal origin. Farmyard manure and plant compost have a positive effect on soil activity and structure, and also stimulate the formation of humus. Composting and using cover crops, as well as sowing plants, all lead to the gathering of valuable nutrients. This also supports root penetration, which makes the soil airy.

A healthy soil is the most important thing in organic apple farming

Biodynamic apple cultivation.

Biodynamic cultivation keeps an eye on the big picture. It considers farms to be unique living organisms. Humans, animals, plants and the soil all interact holistically and create synergies.

The approach assumes that even the cosmos and the spiritual powers of animals impact cultivation and the harvest.
Biodynamic farmers use preparations made of natural substances as remedies for the soil and plant growth. They activate and harmonise the life processes in the soil and those of plants and animals. Most of the preparations are produced directly on the farm: for example, from horns and manure.

Biodynamic farms often practise animal husbandry in addition to cultivating fruit and vegetables. And as a rule, they do not cultivate every square metre, as part of the meadow should be left alone for beneficial insects. A principle that also applies to organic cultivation.