Until seven years ago, sprouts were still a rarity in Austrian agriculture and there were mostly imported goods from established cultivation countries. Now, Fruchthof Detter, based in Absdorf (north of Vienna), has managed to integrate Brussels sprouts in its cultivation, exclusively producing sprouts for Spar Austria. Despite today's weather extremes and the ban on the use of certain pesticides, effective against the white fly, sprouts are still thriving on the cultivated area, says Stefan Detter, owner of this family business.
In 2011, the growers received requests for Brussels sprouts. The first crops were planted on about 1 hectare. Within one year, cultivation was extended to 5 hectares and for the first time leading retail chain Spar expressed an interest in this regional product. At that time, the family of growers visited companies in Belgium and the Netherlands to gather knowledge on the cultivation peculiarities. In the course of this, the cultivation of Brussels sprouts on the farm was expanded rapidly: "In the peak season of 2015 we had some 15 hectares and we covered almost the entire Austrian market."
This year's drought
Current weather extremes and climate change, could make it difficult for the Austrian producer to supply high quality sprouts. In addition to this, three years ago Austria banned the use of several very effective plant protection products. This is particularly problematic for a sensitive crop like Brussels sprouts, says Detter. ''Because of these measures, we have been unable to market about 10 of our 15 hectares of Brussels sprouts in 2016. As a result, we decided to take a step back in 2017 and our current acreage covers only about 7 hectares. Because of the fact that we have focused so much on this product for over 8 years -with all the ancillary investments in technology and the like- this has been a difficult but necessary step."
This year, due to the drought, the harvest did not begin until late September, about 2 weeks later than usual. Because of temperature fluctuations, the buds did not grow uniformly: they are relatively large at the bottom and too small at the top. In terms of yield, one can not compare Austrian quantities with those of the Dutch or Belgians, which also has to do with fertilizer restrictions.
Nevertheless, because of the contract with Spar, we have an even sales situation in the course of the season. Because of this, the market situation is very stable for us, as a direct supplier. In our peak season, we offered cabbage sprouts until late March-early April. This season is expected to end late January-early February, depending on the quality of the product.''
Grower Stefan Detter with some cabbage sprouts
Ready to cook cabbage sprouts
Despite the obstacles within Brussels sprouts cultivation, there is an abundance of fertile soils in this well-known wine-growing area, and a reasonable water supply. Because of weekly shipments, there is no need to store the sprouts either. They are harvested every other day, after which they are processed and within two days they are on the shelves of the respective retailer. ''We process the sprouts right up unto the end product. The products are moved to the production hall, sorted by size, washed and packaged in film. As a result, they are delivered to the stores 'ready to go to'.'' The pace usually picks up at the end of November, as soon as the winter is coming around. "Until then, we will be marketing normal quantities, but by the end of November to mid-January, sales will go up by 50 percent."
New cultures and trendy specialties are integrated into the cultivation. A few years ago, some colorful sprouts were grown on about 1 ha, only to be taken out of the program due to their high susceptibility to white flies. In general, the Austrian vegetable market, according to Detter, is in a difficult phase compared to that of Germany. That country has a better, direct system whereby many workers can move to Germany. "But at the same time, a younger generation is shifting to vegetable cultivation to a great extent, as there is little money to be made in grains. The acreage used for asparagus for instance is growing rapidly.''
Family business
Fruchthof Detter is a family business based in Absdorf; it has been around for over 40 years. In recent years, the business has undergone a transformation. Chinese cabbages were replaced by carrots, parsley and other crops. In addition to directly supplying retailers with cabbage sprouts, leeks and vegetables for soups, they also supply the Viennese wholesale market with regional, fresh produce.
For more information:
Fruchthof Detter
GF: Stefan Detter
Kremserstr. 96
3462 Absdorf
Telefon/Fax: 02278/2554
E-Mail: office@detter-fruchthof.at
Web: www.detter-fruchthof.at