Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
Weinviertler Erdäpfel
Record Number: 80
Disclosure Date
In 1761 potatoes were introduced in the region Weinviertel (Wine Quarter) by the clergyman Eberhart Jungblut.
Photo: BMLFUW/A...
Weinviertler Erdäpfel
(Weinviertel Potatoes)
Abstract or claim
For centuries traditional cultivation of potatoes in the Weinviertel (Wine Quarter), Lower Austria.
Specific soil and climatic conditions of the region Weinviertel in combination with cultivation methods, the ripeness at harvest and the conditions of storage result in potatoes of highest quality with characteristic appearance and flavour.
Name of product, Product class
Potato, vegetable
Name of region
Weinviertel (Wine Quarter), Lower Austria, Austria
Field of search
Food and Agriculture
Name of information provider
Edmund Rauchberger
2020 Hollabrunn
Name of applicant for title
---
Holder of knowledge or associated resources
Farmers of the region Weinviertel (Wine Quarter)
Erzeugergemeinschaft Bauernerdäpfelverkaufs GmbH
(Producer association farmers’ potato sales company GmbH)
Frisch & Frost Nahrungsmittel GmbH
Grantee(s), holder(s), assignee(s) or owner(s) of title, if any
---
Descriptors
- History:
Potatoes evolved in the Andes and were probably first cultivated in Peru some 7,000 years ago. In 1536 the Conquistador Pizzaro brought potatoes from South America to Spain from where potatoes were spread across Europe.
It is assumed that in 1620 monks cultivated potatoes in the garden of the monastery Seitenstetten (Mostviertel, Lower Austria) for the first time.
Empress Maria Theresia (1740 - 1780) promoted the cultivation of potatoes.
The growing acceptance of potatoes as food was demonstrated by the so-called Potatoe War (“Kartoffelkrieg”; War of the Bavarian Succession 1778 - 1779) where Prussian and Austrian troops digged up the enemy’s potatoes to deny food-supplies to the enemy.
In 1761 Eberhart Jungblut, a Luxembourgian priest living in Prinzendorf near Mistelbach, ordered potato seeds from his homeland and made potatoes known in the Weinviertel. During the famine of 1772/73 the cultivation of potatoes enabled to relieve the distress in his parish. In the honour of priest Jungblut († 1795) a “potato monument” was mounted on the church’s wall in 1834.
In the middle of the 19th century the potato blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans destroyed large parts of the potato production. In 1874 the Colorado beetle became a major pest in European potato production. However, these two calamities triggered the breeding of resistant varieties and led to improvements in plant protection and cultivation techniques.
In 1990 the company “Frisch & Frost GmbH” was founded. The company has its roots in the “Kartoffelverwertung Hollabrunn” (potato utilization Hollabrunn) which had been established in 1996. In this year the way was paved for potato contract farming in the Weinviertel.
In 1999 the producer association “Bauernerdäpfelverkaufs GmbH” (farmers’ potato sales company) was founded in Hollabrunn, Weinviertel.
Today contract farming in the context of Region of Delight “Weinviertler Erdäpfel” is either for fresh table potatoes or for industrial potatoes intended for deep-frozen or refrigerated foods.
- Region:
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
In the east, the Weinviertel borders Slovakia at the March (river), in the north it is adjacent to Moravia (Czech Republic). In the south, it borders Mostviertel and Industrieviertel (both “Quarters” of Lower Austria), its borders being the Wagram hill, the Danube and the Marchfeld. In the west the Manhartsberg is the border to the Waldviertel (Forest Quarter).
The Weinviertel encompasses the administrative districts Gänserndorf, Hollabrunn, Korneuburg, and Mistelbach as well as small parts of the administrative districts of Tulln, Horn, Krems-Land and Wien-Umgebung.
The centre of the production area is the region “Land um Hollabrunn” (county around Hollabrunn) encompassing the municipalities Hollabrunn, Göllersdorf, Grabern, Guntersdorf, Nappersdorf-Kammersdorf, and Wullersdorf. However, in principle the cultivation area extends over the entire Weinviertel.
Potatoes are cultivated in the region Weinviertel on about 6,000 hectares.
About a quarter of Austria’s potato yield comes from the region Weinviertel.
In the year 2008 about 450 farmers produced for Region of Delight Weinviertler Erdäpfel.
Soil and climatic conditions:
Soils in the region Weinviertel are very different due to the large dimension of the region. The predominating soils are loess, clay, primary rocks, and black earths. Soils suited for potato production are mostly light, sandy-loamy, rich in nutrients but not too soggy. Best conditions for the development and cultivation of Weinviertel potatoes provide not too heavy clay soils and their modified brown soils. Soils should not contain stones as to avoid damaging of the potato-skin.
The climate is continental with pannonic influence in the very east.
Summers are usually hot and dry; winters are cold, poor in snow and frosty.
The average annual temperature is 10.4°C. Annual precipitation is low, between 500 and 600 mm.
The dry climate is unfavourable for high potato yields but provides ideal conditions for premium potatoes of good reputation.
- Weinviertler Erdäpfel (Weinviertel Potatoes):
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
Method of Production:
In the context of Region of Delight Austria the following criteria apply to Weinviertler Erdäpfel:
Seeds:
Potatoesare tuberous crops from the perennial crop Solanum tuberosum L., family Solanaceae.
For the production of Weinviertler Erdäpfel only particularly well adapted varieties are used.Only certified seeds are permitted. The use of genetically modified seeds is not allowed. In the harvest year of 2009 the varieties Agata, Princess, Ditta, Marabel, Tosca, Melody Agria, Laura, Fabiola are cultivated for table potatoes.
The varieties Agria and Ditta are grown as industry potatoes for processing to deep-frozen or refrigerated foods. The annually updated list of potatoes to be used for Region of Delight Weinviertler Erdäpfel is available at www.genuss-region.at or at “Erzeugergemeinschaft Bauernerdäpfelverkaufs GmbH”.
Soils and fertilization:
Weinviertler Erdäpfel are exclusively cultivated on fields listed in a farmer’s acreage index. This ensures traceability to the field.
It is necessary that soils for the cultivation of potatoes are optimally supplied with nutrients. Therefore, soil analyses have to be undertaken by an accredited institute on a quinquennial basis.
For purposes of soil fertility the fields may be covered with grass or mulched straw for several months. Municipal compost, sludge, manure, and slurry are not allowed. Stall manure and liquid manure are banned for industrial potatoes. However, table potatoes may be cultivated after a waiting period of 12 months.
Fertilization is permitted, if justified.
Fertilization is subject to the requirements of the Austrian Agri-Environmental Programme (ÖPUL). The application of fertilizers has to be documented in the acreage index.
Special attention has to be paid to the optimal supply with phosphorus and potash in order to avoid diminished quality and bad cooking quality of potatoes (e.g. darkening after cooking).
Crop rotation:
Crop rotation is necessary in order to prevent potato diseases or pest. Crop rotation may include potatoes, cereals like wheat or barley, sugar beets, corn and rape seeds. Potatoes are cultivated after three, preferably after 4 - 5 other crops in order to enhance the quality of the tuber.
Cultivation:
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
After soils are warmed-up, furrow forming, planting of the tubers and covering up by ploughing is done in one production step. The distance between furrows is about 75 cm. Depending on the variety 30,000 to 38,000 plants are cultivated per hectare yielding 20 to 50 tonnes per hectare. The yield may be a bit higher for industrial potatoes intended for deep-frozen or refrigerated foods.
Plant protection measures:
The requirements of the Austrian Agri-Environmental Programme (ÖPUL) apply to both table and industrial potatoes.
For the production of table potatoes only pesticides may be used which are permitted according to the guidelines of the AMA Seal of Quality. For industrial potatoes the use of pesticides allowed in integrated production is recommended.
Irrigation:
When soils are dry, irrigation with groundwater is allowed. The use of contaminated surface water and unpurified process water is banned.
Harvesting, grading and storage:
Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman
When the potatoes are ripe and firm and when weather and soil conditions are favourable in autumn the potato varieties are harvested separately using harvesters. High priority is attached to the gentle handling of potato tubers.
The potatoes are carefully stored on the farms or in regional stockrooms having specific air circulation systems. There potatoes are stored in wooden boxes under ideal temperature conditions. Thus damaging or premature seasoning is prevented and potatoes can be stored through winter. The boxes carry information about the farmer, date of harvesting, date of delivery, and potato variety.
Potatoes are graded manually according to size, appearance and quality.
Afterwards potatoes are packed in small units of at most 3 kg. For direct marketing larger unit may be used.
Proof of origin:
Weinviertel potatoes haveto be traceable along the food chain. For this purpose farmers have to record data about the fields and varieties used and about harvesting of the different varieties.
The regional packaging companies record supplier, potato variety, amount of potatoes, delivery date, and starch content.
In retail table potatoes are labelled with the name of the farmer, which allows the consumer to trace the product back to the producer of Weinviertel Potatoes.
Quality:
Weinviertel table potatoes are characterized by premium quality which is higher than quality class I of the Austrian Ordinance on quality classes for table potatoes (“ÖsterreichischeVerordnung über Qualitätsklassen für Speisekartoffeln”).
Weinviertel industrial potatoes for processing to deep-frozen or refrigerated foods have to fulfil the following quality requirements:
Potatoes have to be:
- variety specific (not mixed with other potato varieties)
- well matured and firm (stored potatoes)
- wholesome, dry, preferably free from earth
- free from foreign smell or foreign taste
- free from black and common scab
- above 10°C tuber temperatures before storage
Quality control:
The production of Weinviertel potatoes is subject to the requirements of the Austrian Agri-Environmental Programme and to the requirements of the AMA Quality Seal (for table potatoes).
Both are controlled by accredited control organizations. Additional arrangements may be required in the case of contract farming.
The AMA Quality Seal fulfils the criteria of Global GAP for farmers in Austria.
Certified packaging companies, processors and traders apply the International Food Standard (IFS).
- Marketing:
Weinviertler Erdäpfel are marketed mainly via food retail trade in the premium segment in units of 1.5 – 3 kg.
Several farmers sell potatoes directly (on-farm, farmers’ markets, regional gastronomy).
The company “Frisch & Frost/Bauernland”, situated at Hollabrunn, is the major processor of industrial potatoes in Austria. The raw material for “Bauernland” potato products comes from more than 350 contract farmers.
The trademark “Bauernland” has successfully been on the market for more than 30 years. Its “Bauernland Bauernhof-Garantie” is the first proof of origin for processed potatoes in Europe and allows the tracing back to the farmer.
Customers of the company “Frisch & Frost/Bauernland” are wholesale, retail, catering, gastronomy, system-gastronomy, and major customers both at home and abroad.
- Utilization:
Potatoes are traditional elements of the Austrian cuisine and are processed to soups (LINK WIENER ERDÄPFELSUPPE), strudel, side-dishes, salads (LINK ERDÄPFELSALAT) and other potato specialities (LINK ERDÄPFELGULASCH).
The trademark “Bauernland” offers convenience products of high quality which combine traditional Austrian potato recipes with up-to-date nutritional trends.
Connection with the geographic area and Traditional Knowledge
- Specific light, sandy-loamy soils rich in nutrients and the dry pannonic climate provide
ideal conditions for the cultivation of potatoes of premium quality.
- Specific production methods and geographical conditions allow for the production of
potatoes having specific characteristics with respect to taste.
- The production of Weinviertler Erdäpfel is the result of Traditional Knowledge passed
on to those active in this field: the Traditional Knowledge and expertise of potato farmers
(adaptation of potatoes to environmental constraints; choosing varieties, contract
farming), the expertise of wholesale buyers and retail sellers in marketing and the
knowledge of processing potatoes to convenience products.
- Protection:
-
Key Words
Food and Agriculture, Traditional Knowledge, Austria, Lower Austria, region, Weinviertel, potatoes, Solanum tuberosum L., Weinviertler Erdäpfel, Weinviertel Potatoes
Bibliography / References
- Agrarmarkt Austria Marketing GesmbH. Erdäpfel. Bodenschätze zum Genießen!
Niederösterreich- Der Bereich Weinviertel
http://www.wein-plus.de/oesterreich/Weinviertel_A29.html
- Alles über Erdäpfel
http://popp.lachsfeld.at/ueber-erdaepfel/
- Das Weinviertel botanisch betrachtet
http://www.planten.de/2003/11/23/botanik-weinviertel/
- Das Weinviertel – Heimat des "Pfefferls"
http://www.weinvierteldac.at/show_content.php?sid=78
- Die Geschichte des Erdapfels
http://root.riskommunal.net/gemeinde/stockerau/gemeindeamt/download/UnsereStadt0509_1.pdf
- Die Geschichte des Erdapfel
http://www.bauernland.at/cms/Rund_um_den_Erdapfel,tid,59,_psmand,1.html
- Die Kartoffel in Kunst und Literatur
http://www.toffi.net/kiss/kunst/k_160.htm
- Karl Gutkas. Geschichte Niederösterreichs. Oldenbourg
Wissenschaftsverlag, 1984. ISBN 348651461X
- Marchfeld
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marchfeld
- Niederösterreich- Der Bereich Weinviertel
http://www.wein-plus.de/oesterreich/Weinviertel_A29.html
- Österreichische Sortenliste 2009 für landwirtschaftliche Pflanzenarten und Gemüsearten
http://www.ages.at/ages/landwirtschaftliche-sachgebiete/sorte/oesterreichische-sortenliste/
- Produktion
http://www.erdaepfelhof-rauchberger.at/produktion.htm
- Sorten
http://www.erdaepfelhof-rauchberger.at/sorten.htm
- Verordnung BGBl.Nr. 76/1994 über Qualitätsklassen für Speisekartoffeln i.d.g.F
(Austrian Ordinance on quality classes for table potatoes, Federal Law Gazette No 76/1994,
as applicable):
http://www.lebensministerium.at/article/articleview/18738/1/5183
- Weinviertel
http://www.regionalmanagement-noe.at/uploads/perspektiven_weinviertel.pdf
- Weinviertel
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weinviertel
- Weinviertler Erdäpfel
www.genuss-region.at
All internet references last accessed on 28 September 2009.
Language Code
German
Product of www.genuss-region.at
Yes
Regional contact
Edmund Rauchberger
2020 Hollabrunn
Aspersdorf 54
Phone: 0043 2952/2967
Fax: 0043 2952/2967-4
E-mail: edmund@erdaepfelhof-rauchberger.at
www.landumhollabrunn.at
Authors: Mag. Eva Sommer, Dr. Erhard Höbaus
10.11.2011, Lebensministerium III/4