Parcines is close to the spa town of Merano and is protected by the imposing mountain peaks of the Texel Group. Josef Schiefer's orchards surround the village. He now runs the business, which he inherited, with his wife. Before owning the farm he worked in a bank, but he soon gave that up to attend the South Tyrol technical college for fruit production, viticulture and horticulture in Laimburg. He now grows organic apples and describes himself as a "farmer with passion". He has many different varieties in his orchards. Because they all ripen at different times, Josef is able to spread his work out well throughout the year. For him, working with nature is a privilege and the harvest is a tangible reward for a whole year's work. His neighbour played a key role in supporting him in his decision to convert to organics in 2007. These days, Josef Schiefer is happy that he made the move. Because "healthy food," as he puts it, "makes healthy people".