Special crops and forgotten vegetable varieties are seeing a significant renaissance in recent years. As a result of the increased demand for these, mostly colorful, products, more and more growers decide to devote themselves to the cultivation of these plants. There is Marcus Pechtl, for example, who has been running a vegetable farm in Tyrol's Tarrenz near Imst (Gurgeltal region) for many years.
The old lettuce varieties are very popular, according to Marc Pechtl
In 2017 and 2018 the first special plants were planted; his summer the first harvest will take place in Imst, Tyrol. Currently, the acreage amounts to a good hectare, but a gradual expansion of the existing acreage is being planned. However, the current leases are only valid until 2020, so it is currently difficult to expand the area. "Last year we already supplied some regional branches of Billa. Currently we find our main customers primarily in the private sector as well as within regional gastronomy. However, we are still looking for smaller distribution partners who also want to buy mixed pallets."
Rooted in vegetable cultivation
Through his mother - whose family has been involved in vegetable gardening in the German region of Pfalz for many generations - Pechtl grew up with a love of fresh food. He has brought his know-how of the local agriculture there to Austria. "So I have been able to build a modern irrigation system, which the local special crop cultivation also needs. Also, the mayor of Tarrenz, Rudolf Köll, was there for me from the very beginning, supporting me and these vegetables."
Red Desiree potatoes
Old potatoes (Zieglinde, red Desiree and some floury varieties), Sugar Loaf, as well as various types of cabbage like Jaromakohl and pointed cabbage, are grown in the Imst Valley. Kale is also part of the broad product range. "The need for kale is growing steadily, especially since many immigrants have moved here from the Netherlands and northern Germany. Another example is the sweetcorn: although it is cultivated elsewhere in Austria in a relatively large fashion, in Tyrol we are the only ones who grow this."
Harvest planning
At the moment, Tyrol is still mostly covered in snow; at the close of the winter sports season, traditionally the tranquillity returns. Therefore, the vegetable growers usually try to harvest their products slightly late or parallel to the summer season and to place them on the market. "We will do lettuces until August according to plan. Then we will start with lamb's lettuce and rocket. In autumn, it will continue with pointed cabbage. Last summer, we still harvested to order, but in the course of the upcoming summer, we will also put a small storage capacity into operation as needed."
Left: Vegetable field in the Imst Valley, Right: Colorful cauliflower is grown as well
Observing social media
When asked which special crops are most in demand, the dedicated vegetable producer has an immediate answer. "I have seen a great demand for old types of lettuce such as red lettuce, but also pink Chinese cabbage and colorful sugarloaf. You can see that on the basis of the response or the 'likes' for these products on Facebook."
This brings us to the topic of marketing, especially important for the aforementioned special cultures. "Soon we will put up a new company webpage. We are emphasizing the regional character of our products somewhat more and we want to offer pre-cut goods as well in the near future. I could also imagine that in a few years' time we will join forces with smaller specialty crop producers."
For more information:
Marc Pechtl
Gemüsebau Pechtl
+436649224090
geschaeft@sport-pechtl.at
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