Erich Stekovics

[amideutch]

Has anybody heard of him? Came across his name in a magazine which also mentions this site in Austria which is their equivilant to our SSE. www.arche-noah.at
Heres an article about Erich Steckovics. Ami
Erich Stekovics, Austrian organic vegetable farmer:

"Wealth of biodiversity – the unbelievable story of 3,000 varieties of tomato"



In his rousing presentation, the farmer from Frauenkirchen, Austria described how he built up his niche business in organic farming and careful production of foodstuffs. On his quest for lost flavours, he succeeded impressively in exploiting the trend towards a more natural lifestyle.



The future of the food industry lies in a move "back to nature". Former churchman Stekovics grows 3,000 varieties of "Paradeiser" (tomatoes), which he then makes into tasty sauces and preserves, among other things, at his own factory. The vegetable farmer purchases most of his seeds from Arche Noah, an Austrian association for the preservation of ancient crops.



When Stekovics first started off in organic farming, most of his customers came to him out of curiosity. Today, his customer base consists of top chefs, amateur gardeners and consumers looking for a "taste of childhood". Interest in his work was so great that he had to think up a customer strategy: "I looked for customers as I would look for friends. I want consumers to devote a lot of time to me."



Every day, he takes customers on three- to four-hour tours through his fields, during which they can eat as much of his produce as they like. For Stekovics, a true customer is someone who takes this time. "We talk to the consumers, train their taste buds, teach them a great deal. I want to make my consumers into experts", he says. He gives his customers stories to tell along with his products.



The plants are not watered and develop large root bales, which clearly does a lot for the taste. In this "Paradieser paradise", once a year a vote is held to select the "Tomato of the year". The winning plants are sold as seedlings the following year. This part of the business is also a success.



The export share stands at 80%, with most exports going to Italy and Germany. The products are available from specialized stockists, including Munich-based delicatessen Dallmayr and a German Internet partner. Swiss customs requirements limit the company's business with its neighbour to the west.

[OmahaJB]

You're painting quite a picture Ami. I was stationed at Bad Aibling Station (named for the nearby town) back in the 80's when I was in the military. In my opinion there isn't a more beautiful place in the world than southern Germany and Austria. I was in awe every day I lived there. From Vienna to Salzburg to skiing the Zugspitze, Austria was amazing for me to experience. And the architecture was gorgeous. No other way to describe it.

Herr Steckovics is living quite a life and his tours would be a great experience from the sounds of it.

Thanks for sharing, Jeff

[amideutch]

Jeff, were you in comm. Ami

[orflo]

I don't know the guy personally, I al a member of Arche Noah, I checked the catalogue, but obviously he doesn't offer any seeds, his name isn't mentioned, I'll try an other way to trace him. And Arche Noah is a very good organisation, indeed the European SSE, a bit more small scale, with a young dynamic team, there is also a forum but it's sadly enough not very active,
Frank

[amideutch]

orflo, I know the article in the magazine said he does'nt do seeds. He does have a website and e-mail address. I believe you have to join Arche Noah to get their seed listing. Do you have it and if so how many tomato varieties do they list. Ami

[orflo]

Yes, as a member I have the list, I will estimate a bit how many tomatoes are listed, a quick calculation indicates something between 500 and 650 varieties, I compared with the SSe catalog, there should be about 2000 or more in there;
I like Arche Noah very much, they're willing to maintain the European diversity , lots of old varieties are quickly disappearing, and they are trying to save a whole bunch of them, they're doing a great job, (as does SSE)
Frank