The Tarces Hill in the municipality of Malles in Alta Val Venosta is a place steeped in legend where people had already settled in the pre-Roman period. This is where Manuel Telser and his father grow organic apples. Manuel‘s main job is as a car mechanic in Switzerland. He gained his knowledge about organic production at South Tyrol‘s technical college for fruit production, viticulture and horticulture in Laimburg.

For him, being a part-time farmer is a meaningful balance to his main job: „I can switch off if I’m out in the nature and run my organic farm in the evening or at the weekend.“ He especially looks forward to picking his Pinova and Idared varieties every year, which are ideal for organic production. Manuel and his father can count on the help of their relatives during the harvest period in October. Manuel would like to give back his part to nature with the help of sustainable, organic production „to produce apples with a clear conscience in future as well.“ He places great importance on biodiversity: Hedges, a brook and sowing do not only turn his apple orchards into an even more beautiful working place but are also an ideal habitat for beneficial insects. Furthermore, Manuel grows other fruit varieties and vegetables for his own use.

The organic farm run by Manuel and his father increased in size over the years due to the acquisition and rent of orchards. The part-time farmer wishes to further expand organic apple production: „For me, it‘s the right way to work with nature. We protect the soil and we produce a healthy and tasty product!“