The "Peerhof" in Cengles has been in the family for over 200 years. One generation passes on to the next, that's how it was and hopefully how it will stay. In switching to organic farming, my son Lukas has influenced me a lot. The sustainable thinking is not only expressed in the cultivation of our varieties Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Ambrosia, Cosmic Crisp and Bonita. Even the farmstead itself was to be given a noticeably permanent character. So, as part of a conversion, the barn with its old walls was left almost unchanged on the outside, while a modern wooden house was built on the inside.

As a former photographer, I benefit from some virtues in organic farming that are in great demand here: The gift of observation, patient waiting and acting at the right moment. If these skills are fostered, the most beautiful photo will be taken, and the best apple will be grown in the orchard. Above all, plant protection must be targeted, at the right moment and with the knowledge that sometimes it is much better to do nothing at all.

Of extreme importance for our sustainable agriculture is the selection of the right apple variety for the respective location. Careful observation followed by consistent action. Even if it hurts sometimes, as for example with one of our orchards whose trees we all had to clear, although they were only 10 years old. Because of the proximity to the stream and the absolute lack of wind in this orchard, the trees there were always at the mercy of undesirable fungi, which love the long-lasting moisture there. With the very limited possibilities for plant protection in organic farming, the fungus problem in this orchard could not be controlled with the former variety. A variety resistant to fungi had to be found in order to feel at home here too and produce beautiful fruit. It hurt to part with the old variety, but it made sense.

I invest a lot of time in the right kind of irrigation. For example, overhead irrigation helps me to moisten the tramline between the apple rows during frost and in times of greater drought. This "turf" is important because it provides food for many beneficial insects. Additional drip irrigation is used on other days and only when patient observation advises it. Subjective observation is supported by weather stations that I have now installed on every orchard. The human eye and experience combine perfectly with clever technology and we smart farmers in the Apple Paradise Val Venosta like to keep up with the times, but without forgetting tradition.