"Orchard Meadow Day" on April 28: Natural paradises created by humans strengthen nature and climate protection!

Biodiversity Eldorados must be preserved and promoted

On April 28, the "Day of the Orchard Meadow" initiated by ARGE Streuobst and Umweltdachverband will take place for the third time. "Orchard meadows are valuable for both people and nature and create living and recreational spaces. We produce orchard fruit in Austria that reaches consumers via short transportation routes.

It is often sold directly at markets or from the farm, thus promoting regional value creation and variety.

Orchard meadows also show how agricultural use and intact nature can go hand in hand. It is therefore important to preserve and promote this cultural asset of orchards," says Norbert TotschnigFederal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management.

High ecological and economic value
"Orchard meadows are among the most diverse habitats in Europe and are El Dorados of biodiversity: they are home to old fruit rarities such as the Gravensteiner, Styrian sheep's nose or Viennese oat pear. Orchards are managed in an environmentally friendly, extensive and site-appropriate manner and offer a wide range of varieties and flavors as well as high-quality food. Thanks to their rich supply of food and structure, they are home to more than 5,000 animal and plant species and make an effective contribution to climate protection as carbon reservoirs and regional food suppliers," emphasizesFranz MaierPresident of the Environmental Umbrella Organization.

Cultural heritage of high standing
"Flowering orchards are a declaration of love for our cultural landscape! In Germany, meadow orchards have been added to the list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage'. In Austria, 3,500 people and 150 organizations have submitted declarations of support for the 'cultural heritage of orchards', which shows that the preservation of this cultural asset is a concern for many people - all the more reason to preserve these valuable, wonderful eco-islands," says Hans HartlChairman of the ARGE Streuobst.

Brochure: "Orchard in Austria - Preservation through care and use"