Intangible cultural heritage

The care and cultivation of the fruit trees, as well as the harvesting, storage, and processing of the fruit are the focus of orchard farming. Traditional craft techniques and tools for pruning, grafting, and processing form an inseparable part of the practice. Orchard farming also entails a variety of practices and rituals, such as the planting of new trees to mark births or the appointment of juice queens and princesses. Countless public festivals such as juice baptisms, fruit blossom celebrations, the European Orchard Day, and the Day of Juice and Juice Tasting are all part of the orchard culture.
Knowledge of orchard farming developed over centuries and is diverse and indispensable for the safeguarding of this cultural practice. It covers agricultural experience, cultivation practices, craft techniques, and knowledge of thousands of types of fruit, including suitable locations and their use. Some examples include knowledge pertaining to the manufacturing of fruit presses, barrel making, ladder production, rake production, basket weaving, and pottery. One craft which is closely related to orchard farming is working as a tree warden and fruit tree surgeon.
The knowledge and associated skills were initially passed on verbally, but later also in books and magazines. They are also safeguarded by various stakeholders and transmitted through conferences, training courses, practical courses, interactive exhibitions, open-air museums, orchard trails, and online portals. Thanks to environmental education programmes, children and young people are also involved in orchard farming, ensuring that the knowledge is handed down to future generations.
There are no restrictions to accessing and participating in the cultural heritage of orchard farming. Anyone can join in, regardless of whether or not they have access to their own meadow or garden. Organisations, schools, fruit-growing associations, and orchard initiatives provide various opportunities to get involved in activities such as tree care, fruit collection, or fruit pressing. From an early age, children and young people have the chance to participate in educational programmes and activities. Lectures, conferences, and courses on topics related to orchard farming, such as pruning courses and educational activities, facilitate access to this cultural heritage.

Downloads

• Application form (German only) 7 MB (pdf)
• Expertise Bernkopf (German only) 624 KB (pdf)
• Expertise Eder (German only) 757 KB (pdf)
• Expertise Forneck (German only) 966 KB (pdf)
• Expertise Rösler (German only) 98 KB (pdf)