How can I support organic farming?

There are many ways you can make a difference and support the local market. This goes a long way in helping the overall economy as well. Let’s take a look at some of these. 1. Buy from organic farmers who use sustainable means to cultivate their produce. This can help you to directly engage with them & remove any parties in the middle. 2. Visit organic farms and engage with the farmers for tours & tastings. 3. When buying organic food from stores, look for organic certifications on the label. The European Union’s organic logo certifies the produce to be organic, and following all standards set by EU Organic Farming Regulation in this regard. The EU Organic Farming Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 834/2007), followed by Austria as a member state, outlines the rules for organic production and labelling of organic products in the European Union.

What regulations govern organic farming practices?

Austria is regarded as the top country in Europe when it comes to organic farming & practices followed. It was also the first country in the world to establish organic farming regulations. Thus, it comes as no surprise that more than 20% of farmland in Austria adheres to sustainable, organic farming methods and cultivates certified products. Although a member state, Austria has developed its own Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act [Lebensmittelsicherheits- und Verbraucherschutzgesetz, LMSVG] that adheres to and follows stringent measures when it comes to food, safety, and production. Some of the many regulations which Austria follows for organic farming & practices are. 1. Genetically engineered or modified produce is discouraged severely, and the country has prevented this production method. 2. With the Food Act, the use of hormones, radiation, and any & all growth-promoting substances are prohibited. 3. The Austrian farm policy from the 1980s focuses on quality over quantity. The quality of the produce was measured based on the freshness or health of the crop. However, over the years, this also considers how the cultivation is carried out and its impact on the environment. 4. Two-thirds of Austria’s farmlands are located in the Alps. Thus, the farmers go the extra mile to preserve the pristineness of the mountains. 5. Regular audits are carried out to ensure the farmers, their cultivation methods, and their produce adhere to the organic farming regulations.

How are organic products certified?

Austria aligned with the EU Regulations for organic certification of products. The EU Regulation that came into effect on January 1, 1993, is legally binding for all Member States. In Austria, about 9% of farms are currently under certified organic management, the highest percentage in the European Union (EU). The Regulation has permitted & prohibited production methods, as well as all inputs used for cultivation/rearing. The farmer must adhere to these for their products to be certified organic. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for all implementation and checks related to the Agri-Environment Program, which includes organic farming, among others. Farmers can partake in this voluntarily and, each year may undergo a review process to ensure standards are met. After inspects and rigorous checks, Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA) provides an AMA organic seal that cites if the ingredients are of Austrian origin or foreign.

How does organic farming contribute to food security?

Food security refers to the availability of nutritious, quality food in a region or country and the ability of the residents to access it. Organic farming is a crucial component of ensuring food security. 1. Organic farming ensures practices, such as composting, and crop rotation, that preserve soil strength, structure, and quality and prevents nutrient draining & soil erosion. 2. With reduced usage or altogether avoiding pesticides and fertilizers and opting for natural methods to combat pest infestation and damage, organic farming gives healthier produces and causes no harm to the environment and the local ecosystem. 3. When supporting organic farming and local farmers, the consumer empowers the farmer and the local economy to move to sustainable means for crop cultivation. 4. Organic farming combines many elements to form a sustainable mechanism that has no ill effects on the environment. This also includes animal husbandry in many instances. Organic farming leads to enriched animal welfare and more decadent produce.

Why is SalzburgerLand considered a pioneer in organic farming?

SalzburgerLand is Europe’s top organic pioneer. More than 50 percent of farms in Salzburg practice sustainable land management; farmers consider the animals, environment, and human health from the get-go. As we have seen, Austria is the first country in the world to introduce regulations for organic farming.

What kind of establishments are part of the "BioParadies SalzburgerLand" group?

The “BioParadies SalzburgerLand” brings together hotels, inns, restaurants, farms, shops, and more to offer an organic culinary experience. For instance, the Organic Farm Dairy Fürstenhof, the BIJO Farm in Fusch an der Glocknerstrasse, and Joglbauer in Obertrum am See are the earliest organic farms.

What types of dishes can visitors expect to enjoy when exploring the organic culinary offerings in Salzburg?

When exploring the organic culinary offerings in Salzburg, visitors can expect to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some popular options include organic salads with vibrant greens and flavorful dressings, hearty soups made with seasonal vegetables, organic meats and fish prepared with unique flavors and techniques, and delectable desserts featuring organic fruits and chocolate. Salzburg’s organic cuisine also includes vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy while experiencing the city’s commitment to sustainable and healthy food.

Culinary pathway for organic connoisseurs

The ‘culinary pathway for organic connoisseurs’ of the Via Culinaria highlights a topic where SalzburgerLand was a pioneer in the German-speaking world. Nowhere else in Europe can you find as many organic farmers and producers as here. Meanwhile, organic is a part of daily life and no longer a trend. Those who prefer organic food at home don’t want to miss out it on their holiday. The "BioParadies SalzburgerLand" group joins hotels, restaurants and farms to offer many destinations for the new culinary pathway for organic connoisseurs. The 17 addresses – including hotels, restaurants, country inns and farm shops – not only inspire organic lovers but all those who value regionalism and sustainability.

The people of Salzburg love their farmers’ products — milk, butter, cheese. They shop locally because they believe in it. It’s always been this way and it’s probably going to stay that way too, as more and more farmers are switching to organic farming. This was already the case in SalzburgerLand in the middle of the 1990s, when Austria joined the European Union — organic produce was recognised as a niche in which the country could successfully establish itself. And the numbers speak for themselves: more than half of the agricultural land in SalzburgerLand is farmed organically or organic-dynamically as per Demeter guidelines. Unprecedented in Europe! Over time, a trend morphed into a conscious dietary practice. Today, organic is considered premium quality that is also available in supermarkets. And thus, it was only a small step for restaurants and hotels to switch to organic food products as well.

The organic origin: farms and mountain pastures

The mountain pastures and organic farms with their farm shops are among the most important locations on the culinary pathway for organic connoisseurs. Large-scale organic production can only work when there are enough regional producers — in this case, the farmers and agriculturalists. At the organic dairy Fürstenhof in Kuchl, excellent award-winning cheeses have been made from organic raw milk for almost 20 years — today, there are more than 30 different types available. At Fürstenhof, you can also get to know the trade of the cheesemaker or take a break at the Bauernhof-Café.

So much organic delight

Six different types of organic cheese are produced at Sinnlehenhof in Leogang. Those who want to stay longer can move into the barrier-free holiday home or the holiday apartment. More than 60 different varieties of roses grow at the BIJO Farm in Fusch an der Glocknerstrasse, from which the in-house rose manufacture produces cakes, vinegars, oils, salts and pesto. Goose and beef meat is produced organically as well. Nights can be spent in the Rose-suite. Staying overnight is also possible at Biohof Sauschneider in St. Margarethen in the Lungau region. The farm shop sells homemade pastries, spelt noodles and bread made from local rye. The farmers are active members of the Slow Food movement. The Joglbauer in Obertrum am See is one of the earliest organic farms and the farm shop has a wide array of organic products as well as vegetables, bread, pastries, juice, brandies, jam and vinegar specialities. Family Hörl’s Jagglalm in Saalfelden was once the first organic certified mountain pasture hut in SalzburgerLand. This is where Pinzgau mountain pasture treats are served in organic quality — such as the original Pinzgauer Bladl as per grandma’s original recipe, Kaspress dumplings and, of course, the classic Brettljause. At Jagglhof im Tal, you can also buy organic eggs from the pedigree chickens.

two ladies collecting flowers from the Garden — © Hotel Rupertus, Herbs garden

a close up of a piece of bread — © Biohof Sauschneider, freshly baked bread

a man eating a sandwich — © BioBurgerMeister

a group of friends posing for the camera — © BijoFarm, the host family

a bowl of food on a plate on a table — © Hotel Auersperg, Organic breakfast

© SalzburgerLand Tourismus - goats being fed — © SalzburgerLand Tourismus – goats being fed

From the hotel to the burger bistro

The organic destinations in the city of Salzburg show that even a 100% organic city trip is possible. Enjoy a classy overnight stay at Hotel & Villa Auersperg, where the owners live the principle of sustainability to the fullest. The Salzburg organic buffet breakfast is a highlight and includes many regional and organic delicacies which you can also enjoy as a non-guest à la carte. The organic delicatessen shop Rochushof is a real organic meeting spot in the city: all participating businesses such as the Mattigtaler farm dairy, the Itzlinger bakery or the organic farm Feldinger emphasise top quality. The bistro also relies on organic cooking. The Urbankeller is an organic certified cultural eatery where a diverse art and cultural programme go hand in hand with organic specialities. The in-house craft beer based on an ancient recipe is a particular highlight. Juicy organic burgers and organic certified fries are served by the BioBurgerMeister in Salzburg. Vegans and foodies who appreciate the seasonal burgers with pumpkin or game will get their money’s worth here. All ingredients are exclusively of excellent organic quality.

… More than half of all the agricultural land in SalzburgerLand is farmed organically or biodynamically (Demeter). Organic stands for primeval tradition and original naturalness. Organic agriculture seeks respect and honesty in the relationship between minerals, plants, animals and people as well as sustainability and health on all levels to guarantee the future of our planet. “Less is often more!” – organic ahead…!

Peter Daniell Porsche, Managing Director of “Der Schützenwirt” and “Urbankeller” restaurants, music therapist, Waldorf pedagogue and entrepreneur, initiator of the Kulturzentrum St. Jakob cultural centre with the Paracelsus school.

Larger, more diverse and more extensive than ever, the 5th Edition of the Via Culinaria Guide presents nine Taste Trails and 260 “tasty addresses” in SalzburgerLand.” Click here to order a copy of the Via Culinaria Guide. Here you can browse through the Via Culinaria Guide online.