Andrea, how did you get into fruit growing?

Our orchard in Prad has been in my husband’s family for a long time, and we didn’t want to give up what my father-in-law had built. Letting the land lie fallow was never an option for us. So we turned our passion into a hobby and now cultivate the orchard with apricot and pear trees on a part-time basis.


What made you choose organic farming?

Even my father-in-law worked very close to nature, though he never went through all the bureaucracy required for certification. My husband and I took the step toward organic farming out of full conviction. I myself come from a farm, and my brother is an organic farmer who often shares useful tips. Our children are also enthusiastic: at school and together with their dad, they built insect hotels that now stand in our orchard.


Besides apricots for your own use, you also grow pears. What makes this fruit special?

We chose pears because they are less demanding to grow than apples or apricots. The workload is manageable for us, even though we’re not always on site. Pears are a niche product that we’ve really perfected for ourselves. Thanks to the sunny climate in the Vinschgau, the fruit develops a particularly mild sweetness and a delicious flavor.