Sauwald Erdäpfel

 
Record Number: 85
 
Disclosure Date
In 1789 first mention of potatoes in the tithe register of the parish Kopfing in the region Sauwald.
 

Photo: BMLFUW/A...

Title
Sauwald Erdäpfel
(Sauwald potatoes)
 
 
 
 
 
Abstract or claim
For centuries cultivation of potatoes in small- farms in the region Sauwald, Upper Austria.
Specific soil and climatic conditions, selected potato varieties and specific methods of production result in potatoes of high quality and excellent taste.
Production, storage and processing occur in the region.
 
Name of product, Product class
Potato, vegetable
 
Name of region
Sauwald, Upper Austria, Austria
 
Field of search
Food and Agriculture
 
Name of information provider
Eduard Paminger Sauwalderdäpfel KEG
 
Name of applicant for title
---
 
Holder of knowledge or associated resources
11 farmers in the Sauwald region
 
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 Pizarro brought potatoes from South America to Spain from where potatoes were spread across all Europe.
 
It is assumed that around 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 became obvious in the so-called Potato War (“Kartoffelkrieg”; War of the Bavarian Succession 1778-1779) where Prussian and Austrian troops dug up the enemies’ potatoes to deny food-supplies to them.
 
Potatoes were introduced into the Sauwald region in the second half of the 18th century. This is first documented in the tithe register of the parish Kopfing in 1789.
 
In the middle of the 19^th  century the potato blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans destroyed large parts of the potato production. In 1874 the Colorado beetle became the 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.
 
Potatoes and potato farmers (vernacularly “Wallner”) are also mentioned in the so-called “Innviertler Gstanzl” (Austrian type of folk song). This type of song was first documented in 1910 by the postmaster of the k. und k. Monarchy Georg Würdinger. It can be assumed, however, that it is much older. The term “Wallner” has been derived from the German word “Wald” (=forest) and refers to the people living in the Sauwald (literally ‘sow forest’).
 
Between 1948 and 1978 mainly seed-potatoes were produced due to the low pest infestation pressure in the region.
 
In 1990 the “Eduard Paminger Sauwalderdäpfel KEG” was established in St. Aegidi for purposes of quality assurance and marketing of Sauwald Erdäpfel.
In 1994 the company was renamed “Sauwalderdäpfel KEG”.
 
In 1991 the designation “Sauwald Erdäpfel” was registered as a word/picture trademark.
 
At present 9 farmers and the district Chamber of Agriculture cooperate in the “Sauwalderdäpfel KEG”. The company produces about 1200 tons of potatoes annually.
 
Moreover, numerous small farmers and organic farmers who are not members of the “Sauwalderdäpfel KEG” produce potatoes in the region, but market their potatoes via the company.
 
In 2000 the regional association Sauwald was founded and became a LEADER+ region encompassing 12 municipalities.
 
- Region:
The Sauwald region is situated south of the Danube, in the northern part of the Innviertel, Upper Austria.
The region is also called “Passauer Wald”, as there has always been a close connection to the diocese of Passau.
Folk-etymologically, the name “Sauwald” (literally: sow forest) is derived from wild boars.  However, it may be assumed that it developed from the term “Passauer Wald” (Passau forest).
 
In the context of Region of Delight the region of “Sauwald Erdäpfel” encompasses 9 municipalities (Esternberg, Schardenberg, Münzkirchen, Vichtenstein, Engelhartszell, Kopfing, St. Aegidi, St. Roman, and Waldkirchen).
 
The cultivation area of Sauwald Erdäpfel covers about 35 hectares and is located at an altitude of about 600 m above sea level.
 
Soil and climatic conditions:
The residual soils of primitive rocks found in the Sauwald provide ideal conditions for potato growing. Due to harsh winters the light soils are free from pests.
 
The high potassium content of the soils contributes to the specific taste of the potatoes.
The climate is Sub-Atlantic. Winters are harsh, summers are mild. The average annual temperature is 7 - 8°C.
The average annual precipitation is about 1,000 mm.
 
- Sauwald Erdäpfel:
Sauwald potatoes have a characteristic appearance and taste which is due to the soil and climate conditions, specific cultivation methods of adapted potato varieties, perfect ripeness at harvest, and specific storage conditions.
The specific soil and climate conditions diminish the risk of potato pests and diseases.
The term “Erdäpfel” is traditionally used in Austria for “Kartoffel”.
 
Seeds:
Potatoesare tuberous crops from the perennial crop Solanum tuberosum L., family Solanaceae.
 
In the Sauwald region potato varieties are cultivated which tolerate the non-use of germination inhibiting agents and herbicides. The varieties encompass Linzer Delikatess, Colette, Red Lady, Evita, Princess, Goldsegen, and Freya.
Princess, Red Lady and Freya are propagated by farmers on their own farms.
 
For planting Sauwald Erdäpfel only untreated seeds are allowed.
Gene-modified seeds are banned.
 
Soils and fertilization:
Sauwald Erdäpfel are exclusively cultivated on fields listed in a farmer’s acreage index. This ensures traceability to the field.
 
Soils for potato cultivation must be optimally supplied with nutrients.
Therefore, soil analyses have to be undertaken by an accredited institute on a quadrennial basis.
 
For purposes of soil fertility the fields may be covered with grass over several months. The use of dung, compost or liquid manure is allowed, the use of sewage sludge is forbidden.
 
Mainly manure from the farmers’ own holdings is used. Artificial fertilizers are permitted, if justified after soil analyses.
 
Crop rotation:
Crop rotation is necessary in order to prevent potato diseases or pests. Crop rotation may include potatoes, cereals (barley, rye, wheat, oats), corn, and field fodder (clover).
 
Potatoes may be cultivated on the same plot only after three other crops, at the earliest.
 
Cultivation:
Before laying seed potatoes soils have to be finely crumbled.
The seed tubers are conditioned for efficient budding after planting.
Sauwald potatoes are planted in spring after the soils have warmed up sufficiently, predominantly from end-April to early May.
 
Furrow forming, planting of the tubers and covering up by ploughing is always done in one production step. The distance between furrows is about 75 cm. Depending on the variety 48,000 to 52,000 plants are cultivated per hectare.
 
The average potato yield is about 30 tons per hectare.
 
Plant protection measures:
If plant protection measures are necessary, the requirements of the Austrian Agri-environmental Programme (ÖPUL) have to be fulfilled. Only environmentally friendly pesticides which are listed for Integrated Production (IP) may be used. Weeds have to be removed mechanically; chemical herbicides are banned.
 
Irrigation:
Sauwald potatoes are not irrigated.
 
Harvesting, grading and storage:
Sauwald Erdäpfel are harvested, graded and stored exclusively in the Sauwald region.
Thus the mixing of potatoes originating from other regions is prevented and traceability is ensured.
 
The mixing of potatoes within the region is prevented also by indicating the name of the producer and the potato variety on each box directly on the field.
 
When potatoes are ripe and firm and when weather and soil conditions are favourable, the potato varieties are harvested separately with common harvesters in autumn (mainly in September). High priority is attached to the gentle handling of the potato tuber during harvesting.
 
Sauwald Erdäpfel are not washed but brushed and then graded mechanically by size.
Potatoes with deficiencies in quality are separated manually.
 
The potatoes are carefully stored in complete darkness and under optimal air circulation in a joint stockroom of the municipality St. Aegidi.
The stockroom has a unique computer-controlled ventilation via ventilation pores. Thanks to the cooling system with natural air the potatoes do not need to be chemically treated against germination.
 
Proof of origin:
Sauwald Erdäpfel haveto be traceable along the food chain. For this purpose farmers have to record data about the fields and varieties used and about the time of harvesting of the different varieties.
 
The regional processing and packaging companies have to provide the potatoes delivered to them with information concerning supplier, variety, amount of potatoes, delivery date, grade, and cooking characteristics.
 
In food retail shops table potatoes are labelled with the name of the farmer, which allows the consumer to trace the product back to the producer of Sauwald Erdäpfel.
 
- Quality:
Sauwald Erdäpfel have to fulfil the criteria of quality class I of the “Österreichischen Verordnung über Qualitätsklassen für Speisekartoffeln“ (Austrian Ordinance about quality classes for table potatoes) in retail.
 
Quality control
Sauwald Erdäpfel are subject to control requirements of the Austrian Agri-environmental Programme (Integrated Production) and
the AMA Quality Seal. External controls ensure compliance with the guidelines.
 
The AMA Quality Seal for fruits, vegetables and table potatoes fulfils the criteria of the international quality assurance standard GLOBALGAP.
 
- Marketing:

Photo: BMLFUW/Rita Newman

Sauwald Erdäpfel are marketed mainly via the regional gastronomy in Upper Austria and via retail.
Furthermore, about 40 % of the Sauwald Erdäpfel are sold directly by farmers and on farmers’ markets.
 
Sauwald Erdäpfel are packed in jute bags for the gastronomy (25 kg) and in cardboard boxes (10 kg) for households.
 
For marketing purposes a big potato festival takes place in the region every other year.
 
Connection with the geographic area and Traditional Knowledge:
- Light residual soils of primitive rocks and Sub-Atlantic climatic conditions
  provide ideal conditions for the cultivation of potatoes of premium quality.
- Sauwald Erdäpfel encompass several potato varieties which are perfectly
  adapted to the local environment.
- Specific production methods and specific geographical conditions allow for
  the production of potatoes with specific characteristics with respect to taste.
- The production of Sauwald Erdäpfel is the result of Traditional Knowledge passed
  on to those active in that field: Traditional Knowledge and experience of potato
  farmers (selection of potato varieties, cultivation, harvesting, and storage
  methods) and the expertise of wholesale buyers and retail sellers in marketing.
 
- Utilization:
Sauwald Erdäpfel are suited for main dishes and side dishes just as much as for cooked desserts. Traditional regional dishes are potato soup and the “Sauwalderdäpfelschnitzel” (schnitzel enwrapped with potatoes).
 
- Protection:
Word/picture trademark “Sauwald Erdäpfel” (Austrian Patent Office Register No 134 893, 23. February 1991).
 
Key Words
Food and Agriculture, Traditional Knowledge, Austria, Upper Austria, region, Sauwald, vegetable, potato, Sauwald Erdäpfel, Sauwald potato
 
Bibliography / References
- Eduard Paminger Sauwalderdäpfel KEG
  http://www.genussland.at/produkte/produzenten/detail/240248/eduard-paminger-sauwalderdaepfel-keg.html
- Pressemitteilung Wien, 3. September 2007
  Agrar.Projekt.Verein: Erdäpfelwochen – Wieder modern genießen
  Erdäpfel-Wochen zwischen 5. September und 21. Oktober in fünf Bundesländern
  http://www.erdaepfel-wochen.at/documents/Pressetextev.Auftakt3.9.07.pdf
- Projekt: Sauwald Erdäpfel
  http://www.agrarprojektpreis.at/sauwald-erdaepfel.237.htm
- Raumeinheit Sauwald 
  http://www.ooe.gv.at/cps/rde/xbcr/SID-AAE821D5-62A771B8/ooe/Sauwald.pdf  
- Regionalverband Sauwald 
  http://www.netzwerk-land.at/leader/regionen/ooesterreich/lag63  
- Sauwald
  http://aeiou.iicm.tugraz.at/aeiou.encyclop.s/s141546.htm
  http://aeiou.iicm.tugraz.at/aeiou.encyclop.s/s141546.htm;internal&action=_setlanguage.action? LANGUAGE=en
- Sauwald
  http://www.resi.at/resi-nr/firmen/sauwald/homepage/index.html
- Sauwald
  http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauwald
- Sauwald
  http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauwald
- Sauwald Erdäpfel
  www.genuss-region.at
- Sauwalderdäpfel
  http://www.sauwalderdaepfel.at/
- TASCHEE S. J. Im Namen der Kartoffel. In: Genuss Spezialitäten.pur.
  Herbst 2008. S. 12 - 15.
  Informationssystem Marktgemeinde Kollerschlag
  http://www.kollerschlag.at/gaestebuch.shtml
- Unser beste Seit'n August 2006 Ausgabe 11
  http://www.kultiwirte.at/fileadmin/kultiwirte/useruploads/zeitungen/Zeitung_nr_11.pdf
- WortBild-Marke Sauwald Erdäpfel
  www.patenamt.at
 
All internet references last accessed on 17 July 2009.
 
Language Code
German
 
Product of www.genuss-region.at
Yes
 
Regional contact
Eduard Paminger
Sauwalderdäpfel KEG
Grübl 5, 4725 St. Aegidi
Phone: 07717-8000
Fax: 07717-7820
www.sauwalderdaepfel.at
 
Authors: Mag. Eva Sommer, Dr. Erhard Höbaus
 

10.11.2011, Lebensministerium III/4