Thomas, how has your farm developed over the decades?
I took over the Lehengut in Castelbello, at the foot of the Colsano Monte Sole, in 1989. I was just 19 years old and had just completed my training at the Laimburg School of Fruit Growing, Viticulture and Horticulture.
Today, I live on the farm with my family. Including leased land, we manage seven hectares of apple orchards and three hectares of vineyards. Since 2006, the Lehengut has been run entirely organically. On the one hand, we grow red organic apples such as Cosmic Crisp®, Bonita, Royal Gala, Red Delicious, Topaz, and Braeburn; on the other hand, we produce fine organic wines from our own grapes, including Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Noir.

Why did you choose organic farming?
As a small farm, we initially saw organic as an opportunity to become more profitable. Over time, it turned into a matter of conviction. Organic farming forces you to engage more deeply with nature, to learn, and to grow alongside it. Today, it’s my heartfelt mission to use natural resources as carefully as possible, keep the soil healthy, and preserve its fertility for the next generations.

Do you apply specific ecological measures?
The Vinschgau valley is dry, so careful water use is particularly important. For over 25 years, we have been using water-saving drip irrigation. Soil health is also very important to me: we work the soil as gently as possible, using the “Krümler,” a soil-friendly implement, and we fertilize only with organic material.

What brings you particular joy in organic farming?
Organic farming is year-round work: winter pruning, spring blossom, summer care. Every season has its beautiful and challenging sides. But the highlight for me comes in autumn, when I can harvest high-quality organic apples and grapes: holding the results of a whole year’s work in my hands is deeply rewarding.